Viktor Mattsson

The distorted anatomies brimming with personality in the paintings and drawings of Viktor Mattsson exude a surrealist quality. Sparked by archetypal figures deeply embedded in our cultural consciousness, such as devils, cowboys, and clowns, the artist constructs narratives that delve into the timeless conflict between good and evil. His work captures fleeting moments of tension and delicate equilibrium, portraying recurrent scenarios of uniform backgrounds where troubled characters grapple with affliction, finding solace in drinking, melancholy, and violence.

 

Having grown up in Sweden, Mattsson's paintings dissect enduring themes present within the art historical iconography of the Western hemisphere, making them accessible and relatable. He delves into the moral struggles that have deeply resonated with humanity throughout history. One recurring character in his paintings is the devil, symbolizing malevolence, while the cowboy embodies the idealized man and the clown visualizes the ephemeral nature of humour. Occasionally, small butterflies make an appearance, representing a simple vision of beauty and serenity.

 

The contrasting emotions depicted in Mattsson's works provide a captivating lens through which to explore the vast spectrum of the human experience. By juxtaposing elements such as joy and sorrow, humour and melancholy, or violence and vulnerability, the artist unveils the intricate complexities of the human experience. Through deeply resonant visual narratives, his depictions evoke a deep understanding of the contradictions and profound impacts of emotions. They highlight that embracing the full spectrum of the human experience allows us to appreciate the richness of our shared humanity.

 

Viktor Mattsson (b. 1988 in Umeå, Sweden) received his MFA from Umeå Academy of Fine Arts and earned his BFA at the same university. His works have been exhibited across Europe and the UK. Recent solo and group exhibitions includeOn Paper, Newchild, online (2024); Aesthetic Echoes, PLUS-ONE Gallery, Antwerp (2024); Art Brussels, Newchild, Brussels (2024); Pleasure Island, Newchild, Antwerp (2024, solo); FACE TIME, PLUS-ONE Gallery, Antwerp (2023); Snakes in the Grass, Newchild, Antwerp (2023); Spring Spring, Moosey, London (2023); Between the Nightingale and the Lark, Ponti, Antwerp (2023); Thanks For Laughing, Weserhalle, Berlin (2022, solo); Adventures Of Pinocchio, Galleri Alva, Umeå (2022, solo); Art Antwerp, Ponti, Antwerp (2022); Know Thyself, Ponti, Antwerp (2022); Dream Baby Dream, Curated By Maria Abramenko, Off Space, Venice (2022); Another Spring, Diskus, Aalst (2022). His work is included in the permanent collections of M HKA, Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp; The Public Art Agency Sweden, Luleå Municipality, Skellefteå Municipality and Region Västerbotten. The artist lives and works in Antwerp.

 

 

 

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2024 / Pleasure Island, Newchild, Antwerp

2022 / Thanks For Laughing, Weserhalle, Berlin

2022 / Adventures Of Pinocchio, Galleri Alva, Umeå

 

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2024 / (Forthcoming) Kiaf, Newchild, Seoul

2024 / On Paper, Newchild, online

2024 / Aesthetic Echoes, PLUS-ONE Gallery, Antwerp

2024 / Art Brussels, Newchild, Brussels

2023 / A GENTLE CRUISE, JVDW Gallery, Düsseldorf

2023 / Art Antwerp, Newchild, Antwerp

2023 / FACE TIME, PLUS-ONE Gallery, Antwerp

2023 / Snakes in the Grass, Newchild, Antwerp
2023 / Konst på väg, Public Art Agency Sweden, Stockholm
2023 / Spring Spring, Moosey, London
2023 / Between the Nightingale and the Lark, Duo exhibition with Judit Kristensen, Ponti Space, Antwerp

2022 / Art Antwerp, Ponti Space, Antwerp

2022 / Know Thyself, Ponti Space, Antwerp
2022 / Dream Baby Dream, Curated By Maria Abramenko, Off Space, Venice 

2022 / Another Spring, Diskus, Aalst
2022 / Kunst The Clown And Friends, Gallery 46, London
2022 / OEOE, Tinimini Room, online

2021 / Anniversary Exhibition, Skellefteå Art Association, Skellefteå

2021 / The First Swing Of The Bat, Gallery 46, London
2021 / The Thinking Hand, Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities, The Royal Castle, Stockholm

 

AWARDS | RESIDENCIES

2021 / One Year Working Grant, The Swedish Arts Grants Committee, Sweden

2021 / The Thinking Hand, Nominated, Stockholm, Sweden

2019 / Galleri Syster Samartbete, Luleå, Sweden

 

PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

Luleå Kommun

M HKA, Museum of Contemporary Art, Antwerp

Public Art Agency Sweden

Region Västerbotten

Skellefteå Kommun