The idea of presenting several possibilities within one piece of work is a theme that runs throughout the different projects, enabling dreamlike narratives to come into existence. Semi fictional childhood fragments seep into the imagery. Creating art is a way of remoulding or controlling my reality, a kind reworking of memory. The exploration of relationship with people and place, is another constant driving force behind the layered images – connections that tie together and those that break apart.
An outdated language of science fiction and abstraction, as well as Utopian and Dystopian imagery are ever present in the different series. Unorthodox or humble materials are used to explore quite grand themes on the more formal surface of the canvas.
The individual within the great machine of society is another constant aspect – the idea of a cosmos, a universe, versus human habitation and fragility.
The modern world can often feel quite turbulent, which is enhanced by the fact that we are constantly surrounded by screens and an excess of information. This project is a response to this - a playful antidote, to try to counterbalance, aiming to create a point of stillness, in the midst of what what can be perceived as complete chaos.
Using traditional symbolism and classical aspects, such as the triptych formula, is intended to create a sense of familiarity, while at the same time offering a very different kind of imagery.
As sentient beings we have an intrinsic need for sacred spaces that conjure up a sense of spiritual connection, or wonder, and this series attempts to satisfy this desire, without the dogma of organised religion attached. Through the use of geometric pattern making, these works provide a breathing space, point of rest, or simply a focusing lens to meditate on.
Through trial and error in life, I have found that the most effective way to break a negative pattern is to introduce an interference formula - by configuring new juxtaposing structures, lasting change can be made.
This series is a reconfiguration of original paintings, combining analog and digital techniques.
For the altar 9. Giclee print on museum quality paper. Limited edition. 100x100cm or 80x80cm. Year 2016.
For the altar 1. Giclee print on museum quality paper. Limited edition. 100x160cm or 75x120cm. Year 2016.
For the altar 3. Giclee print on museum quality paper. Limited edition. 100x160cm or 75x120cm. Year 2016.
For the altar 5. Giclee print on museum quality paper. Limited edition. 100x160cm or 75x120cm. Year 2016.
For the altar 6. Giclee print on museum quality paper. Limited edition. 100x160cm or 75x120cm. Year 2016.
For the altar 8. Giclee print on museum quality paper. Limited edition. 100x100cm or 80x80cm. Year 2016.
For the altar 7. Giclee print on museum quality paper. Limited edition. 100x100cm or 80x80cm. Year 2016.
'Myths teach us to go beyond that which we perceive as the limit of our possibilities' - Robert Walker, president of the Joseph Campbell foundation
Mythology is a metaphor for human existence, and aims to plant new seeds in our consciousness. This art project explores this theme, through the use of quite cinematic imagery, surrealism and science fiction, combined with elements of mapping and geometry.
The work takes place in the world of 'Psychogeography' and its starting point revolves around the very human need for belonging to a place and a context, which simultaneously collides with the desire for personal freedom and autonomy.
We live in time which is anything but minimal, with screens and different imagery constantly projected all around us. These paintings aim to reflect this zeitgeist, through combining different styles and techniques, creating multiple storylines within one piece.
The work is centered around mixed media painting on linen, often honing in on a figurative detail with surreal elements, interlinking with abstract patterns on the canvas. Playing with scale is an important recurring factor, which acts as a kind of red thread, tying the works together.
It's good for you. Mixed media on linen canvas. 186x245cm. Year 2015.
A sphere within a sphere. Mixed media on linen canvas. 200x300cm. Year 2014.
Undercover. Mixed media diptych on linen canvas. 160x260cm. Year 2017.
Belonging. Mixed media triptych on linen canvas, 170x270cm, 2017.
A future. Mixed media triptych on linen canvas. 200x270cm. Year 2015.
Fate. Mixed media on linen canvas, 200x250cm, 2013.
Hindsight. Mixed media wallhanging on linen canvas. 180x250cm. Year 2016.
New era. Mixed media on linen canvas. 193x220cm. Year 2015.
What we leave behind. Mixed media on linen canvas. Year 2013.
A series of paintings inspired by the ‘For the altar’ series. These images are less structured and more abstracted, in order to allow the viewer to project their own thoughts and imagination more freely. The idea of presenting a point of stillness, a sacred space to meditate on, is still the central theme.
The basic idea behind the work is related to the ink blot Rorschach test, where a persons interpretation of an image should reveal something of the unconscious.
They are titled ‘For the temple paintings’ as a homage to the Swedish painter and mystic Hilma af Klint, who sought to capture an essence of the otherworldly in her work.
Temple 1. Mixed media on linen canvas. 210x140cm. Year 2017.
Temple 2. Mixed media on linen canvas. 210x140cm. Year 2017.
Temple 3. Mixed media on linen canvas. 210x140cm. Year 2017.
Temple 4. Mixed media on linen canvas. 210x140cm. Year 2017.
Temple 5. Mixed media on linen canvas. 210x130cm. Year 2017.
Temple 6. Mixed media on linen canvas. 210x130cm. Year 2017.
This is an ongoing series which started to take shape in 2012. It is inspired by staring at the night sky as a child, in the Swedish countryside, imagining what was beyond the village where I grew up. I remember sitting on the football field in the evenings with my friend, for hours, imagining what would be beyond the Milky Way. Escapism and science fiction naturally became great sources of inspiration for me then, initially as survival mechanisms, however they have remained a strong presence in all my work since.
The idea of the individual inside a system too big to comprehend, is a constant aspect of the imagery. Elements of outsider art and obsessive drawing are other recurring themes within this project. The Rift series is mixed media based, mainly on canvas, combining acrylic, coffee and tea blends, in my own customised technique of “washing” off and re-layering the work.
Psychology, surrealism, geometry and my everyday life of living in the multicultural hub which is East London have shaped this ongoing project.
Rift 2. Mixed media on canvas. 120x180cm. Year 2015.
A new wave 1. Mixed media on canvas. 150x120cm. Year 2016.
Whale country. Giclee print on canvas. 50x50cm. Year 2015.
Looking glass. Mixed media on canvas. 100x80cm. Year 2015.
Sky mapping. Mixed media on canvas. 120x150cm. Year 2015.
Old man river. Giclee print on museum quality paper. Year 2015.
A new wave 2. Mixed media on canvas. 150x120cm. Year 2016.
Parallel party. Mixed media diptych on canvas. 160x100cm. Year 2014.
Hunting Season. Giclee print on museum quality paper. 50x50cm. Year 2015.
On the upside. Mixed media on canvas. 120x150cm. Year 2014.
Cloud atlas. Giclee print on museum quality paper. 50x50cm. Year 2015.