Viskafors Blå Får (Blue Sheep of Viskafors)

When passing through the sleepy village of Viskafors and unexpectedly discovering a field with marine blue sheep next to the thoroughfare, you might think you have entered the Twilight Zone. No need to worry though, since this is a permanent art installation arranged by a local housing company.

The sheep, designed by German artists Bertamaria Reetz and Rainer Bonk, are made of cast resin and have been hand-painted by people with intellectual disabilities. The color blue was chosen since it’s the color of peace (as well as the color of EU, UNICEF, and UNESCO), and because the flock is supposed to symbolize tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

Many years ago, the blue herd used to roam more freely. Soon some sheep went missing, however, so to prevent further theft, they have since then been kept in a paddock behind an electric fence with barbed wire, just like real cattle.