Born 1973 in Jöngköping, Sweden / Lives and works in Stockholm, Sweden

Over the last two decades, Sweden, the country which in the 20^th century established a model welfare state — the so-called Swedish socialism, or Folkhemmet, -  has been going through a painful experience of globalization. For Sweden these new realities meant the end of its traditional isolationism and the disintegration of its long-established social communities. In her nostalgic and melancholic art Johanna Billing, being a witness to this process, advocates human community life, constantly emphasizing its frailty and even brevity. The artist's favorite medium is a peculiar video practice, exploring the boundaries between documentary and feature film. Almost all her works deal with situations initiated by none other than the artist. There she brings people together for a certain joint action, like dancing or singing together, going on a walking tour, fishing etc. These actions are organized in the mode of reality show: everyone performs their own role but in a situation which is new, extraordinary and, above all, is the necessary condition for the participants' encounter and interaction.