Johan Scott is a Finnish painter celebrated for his innovative use of colour and material in contemporary art. Born in 1953 in Mariehamn, Scott studied at the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm (1976–1981) and the P.S. 1 Institute for Urban Research in New York (1982–1983). He currently lives and works in Stockholm and Åland, maintaining a strong presence in the Nordic art scene.
Mixed media on plexi, clubbed for 553 GBP at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
Scott’s paintings are distinguished by their luminous, layered surfaces, often created on unconventional materials such as thin metal sheets or plastic film. His approach to colour is both material and sensory, with dynamic brushstrokes and shimmering metallic grounds that evoke a sense of movement and process. Scott’s works are devoid of narrative or illusion, focusing instead on the essential qualities of colour and form.
Colour, Material and Process
Scott’s artistic practice is rooted in the exploration of colour’s intrinsic properties and its interaction with different surfaces. He eschews traditional canvas in favor of materials that allow light to play a central role, resulting in paintings that glow and shift with the viewer’s perspective. The interplay of stillness and movement in his work creates a rhythmic, almost musical quality, inviting viewers to experience the painting as a living, evolving entity.
Oil on panel.
Exhibitions and International Recognition
Johan Scott has exhibited extensively in Finland, Sweden and internationally. He was awarded the prestigious Ars Fennica Prize in 1992, and his works have been featured in major museums such as the Pori Art Museum, Sundsvalls Museum and Ålands Konstmuseum. Scott’s influence as a colourist and innovator continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.