Ru Runeberg – Silversmith in the Field of Art

The retrospective exhibition "Ru Runeberg – Silversmith in the Field of Art" opens on 8 October 2025 and runs until 29 March 2026.
Ru Runeberg (b. 1970) comes from an artistic family that includes sculptor Walter Runeberg and poet J. L. Runeberg. His artistic roots trace back to a childhood fascination with insects and studies at Konstfack in Stockholm, where he specialized in silversmithing and art subjects.
Sculptures with a functional twist
Runeberg’s motto “nothing is impossible” is reflected in his work, where silver meets glass, humor, and cultural references. He never creates two identical pieces, instead allowing intuitive craftsmanship to guide form and meaning. His insect-themed works – symphony orchestras composed of insects and birds – have found their way into private collections and table settings.
Ru Runeberg’s artistic production can be divided into four thematic periods:

1997–2002 traditional silversmithing
2002–2006 the era of sound
2006–2009 more sculptural direction, lace, smugglers, first birds, ant dish
2009– large sculptural insects and birds

Cultural educator and defender of craftsmanship
Runeberg has taught silversmithing for over 20 years and participated in cultural education, including Finland-Swedish cultural carnivals. He continues to create functional objects to preserve his professional identity as a silversmith – carefully and with respect for traditional forging techniques. His works draw inspiration from the environment and society, including the piece Russian Rulette, created in 2015 after Russia’s annexation of Crimea.