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Artist Name

Johan Söderström

Born: 1969

Hometown: Stockholm

Based in: Oslo

I am interested in process-based painting and the profound human solitude. While exploring one thing, I sometimes try to formulate something about the other.

My work is made from construction filler in oak frames. I have developed a unique technique, where I insert 6 mm thick layers of grey and white filler into the frame like intarsia, instead of on top of each other as in conventional painting. The result gives a graphic expression that at the same time has tactile materiality. I use some simple but clearly defined methods to apply the filler in the frame. These limit the expression of cognitively controlled processes, thus opening an opportunity to reveal something unknown.

They often take the form of series or installations that extend into the room.

I base my work on the notion of a primary alienation in the human subject. By using painting, I want to formulate something around this lack, or the desire, integrated into our perception of reality. I want to explore whether the problem can illuminate other forms of social and cultural alienation—for example, privileges, class, racism and xenophobia. In short, different types of distances between people.

I have previously shown works in Scandinavia at Konsthallen Trollhättan, Konsthallen Lokstallet, Konstepidemin, Kristiansands Konsthall, Akershus Kunstsenter, Trondheim Senter for Samtidskunst och Tenthaus Oslo. I am educated in Norway at Kunstakademiet in Trondheim and live and work in Oslo.

 


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Johan Söderström In The Studio

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More About Johan Söderström

Question IconWhat inspires you?

As I’m as a person is interested in political issues and philosophical/psychological theories, I also find my biggest inspiration, or motivation, in this. In art, I think Informalism and artist like Antoni Tapies are very important to me right now. Also, movements like Arte Povera. But also artist like Bruce Naumann, Sophie Calle and Sol Le Witt.

Question IconDescribe your creative process.

I get an intuitive ideas and make small sketches. At some point, I decide to produce one of these into real work. It often changes from the original plan because of the qualities of the material I use. I welcome this, as I want matter to add something extra to it. I start with one colour and apply the next one after drying. When it dries it cracks, and I fill the cracks with different coloured filler to enhance them. Finally, I sand it off. It is not until ten that I see how the piece looks.

Question IconWhat are 3 words that best describe your work?

Minimal, tactile and graphic

Question IconWho are some artists that have influenced your work?

Antoni Tapies, Alberto Burri, Sigmar Polke, Anselm Kiefer, Bruce Naumann, Sophie Calle.

Question IconWhat is the most important tool when creating your work?

I have thre power tools, a miter saw, a grinder and a vacuum cleaner. I also often use a scrape.

Question IconWhat is the best piece of advice you have been given?

“Try Again. Fail Again. Fail Better"

Question IconWhere do you go for inspiration?

The morning paper. Books. My mind.


Collections Featuring Johan Söderström

10 Collections

New In Artworks: March 2022

New In Artworks: March 2022

51 Artists, 58 Products

Last updated: March 14, 2022

Circles in Art

Circles in Art

35 Artists, 40 Products

Last updated: November 10, 2021

Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow: Pantone Colours of the Year 2021

Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow: Pantone Colours of the Year 2021

27 Artists, 33 Products

Last updated: January 8, 2021


Articles Featuring Johan Söderström

2 Articles


Credentials

Education

Kunstakademiet i Trondheim

Norway, 1999

Awards

BKH One year working grant

2020

BKH One year working grant

2017

Exhibition support Norwegian Artcouncil

2011

Norwegian Government Miscellaneous grant

2009

BKH One year working grant

2008

Vederlagsfondet Art grant

2006

Three year working grant, Norwegian Government

2001

Vederlagsfondet Art grant

2000

Equipment support, Norwegian Government

1999

Exhibitions

Bilderberg

Norway, 2022

Pace&Pound

Norway, 2022

Real Thing

Sweden, 2022

As Far as my Eyes can Sea

Norway, 2021

Shadow Government

Sweden, 2020

Tablet

Norway, 2020

Låt det obetydliga tala

Sweden, 2019