In painting, the idea of depth often goes beyond physical space. It’s not only about perspective or shadow. There is another kind of depth — one created by layers of time, experience, and ideas. I use these layers to tell a story that isn’t obvious at first glance. Much like life, my work is made up of layers that build on each other, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in contrast.
Contemporary art paintings
Contemporary art offers endless possibilities for exploration. Today’s world is fast-paced and ever-changing, but painting gives me space to slow down and reflect. My paintings come to life through a process of layering — both literal and symbolic. I use different techniques, styles, and forms to create contrasts. These contrasts represent the various experiences and encounters we all face in life.
The idea of layering is central to my practice. I think of each layer as representing a moment in time, like how memories or events overlap and shape us. Some parts of my work are abstract, while others are more figurative. This combination allows me to explore how personal experiences mix with larger, collective stories. I don’t want my paintings to dictate a specific message but to open up a dialogue with the viewer.
Art work painting
For me, each painting begins with a plan. I start by sketching ideas, either by hand or digitally. Then, I use software like Photoshop to structure my ideas and test out different layers. I want to see how different elements interact before committing them to canvas. This process allows me to experiment and find new solutions as the painting progresses.
But once I start painting, I embrace the unexpected. Texture, color, and form often take me in directions I hadn’t anticipated. The work becomes an active exploration, where accidents lead to discovery. This approach helps me reflect on how we navigate the complexities of life. Plans are important, but so is the ability to adapt and grow from what happens along the way.
Fine art and painting
I am particularly interested in how the individual and society influence each other. Painting is my way of investigating this connection. By combining personal experiences with broader social or political themes, I create a space for reflection. For example, I often think about how fear affects our world. Fear of the unknown, fear of change, and fear of losing control all play a role in shaping political and social movements. My paintings try to capture this tension.
In some ways, my work is a form of pseudo-psychoanalysis. I explore how collective images and ideas shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. What we see in the media, in history, or in our communities becomes part of how we see reality. By painting over or beside these images, I try to create new meanings.
Swedish contemporary artist
As a painter from Sweden, I am inspired by both local and global influences. My work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across Sweden and beyond. I have also had the privilege of receiving several grants that have supported my practice. But I see my work not as a personal achievement but as part of a larger conversation. The questions I explore in my paintings — about society, the individual, and the role of art — are universal.
I often look to the work of other artists for inspiration. Painters like Julie Mehretu, Hurvin Anderson, and Michël Borremans have had a significant impact on how I think about space, time, and narrative in painting. Philosophers like Hannah Arendt and Zygmunt Bauman challenge me to think about how we engage with the world around us and how art can reflect that engagement.
Artist painting
The act of painting is, for me, an ongoing process of discovery. I don’t always know where a piece will end up when I begin. There are moments of control, but also moments where the painting takes over. I enjoy the balance between intention and accident. This dynamic mirrors how we experience life — we can plan and prepare, but unexpected moments often lead to the most meaningful discoveries.
I see my work as a platform for exploration. Each painting becomes a place where different ideas, experiences, and techniques can meet. I don’t aim to provide clear answers or fixed meanings. Instead, I hope my paintings offer a space for others to reflect, ask questions, and find their own connections.
In the end, painting is a tool I use to explore the complexities of life, both personal and collective. Through layers of time, I aim to create a depth that invites viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the ideas beneath.