Kerstin Lundberg-Stenman was a multifaceted Swedish artist and craftswoman. Born in Valdemarsvik, she pursued her passion for art through formal education and extensive travel. She studied at Anders Beckman's Advertising School in Stockholm from 1946 to 1948, an institution known for its focus on design as a driver of societal development. To further her artistic skills, she undertook study trips to several European countries, including Switzerland, England, France, and Greece. In 1954, she was a guest student at the Athens School of Fine Art, an experience that deepened her connection to European art traditions. Lundberg-Stenman was also married to fellow artist Martin Stenman, with whom she exhibited her work early in her career.
Reading Woman in Boat, clubbed for 445 GBP at Crafoord Auktioner Lund.
Distinctive Artistic Style and Subject Matter
Lundberg-Stenman's art spanned a wide range of mediums, reflecting her versatile talent. She worked in painting, mosaic, and jewellery design. In her paintings, she utilized various techniques, including oil, wax crayon, and watercolor, to create still lifes, portraits, and ornamental figure compositions. Her work often featured a delicate touch and a focus on detail. Beyond the canvas, she also crafted pewter jewellery adorned with glass, crystal, and semi-precious stones. Her public art includes notable wall mosaics at locations such as Apoteket Kronan in Valdemarsvik and Östra Flickskolan in Norrköping.
"Getabock", oil on canvas.
Career, Exhibitions, and Legacy
Throughout her career, Lundberg-Stenman was an active participant in the art community. She exhibited her work alongside her husband in Kalmar and at the Norrköping Art Museum. She also took part in numerous group shows, with her art being displayed in Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, France, and the USA. A key part of her legacy is the founding of Octaviagruppen in 1979, an artist collective for female artists. The group held exhibitions until the mid-1990s and has a permanent exhibit at the Ystad Art Museum. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Ystad Municipality Culture Prize in 1988. Today, her works are held in the collections of several institutions, including the Norrköping Art Museum, the Kalmar County Museum, and the Ystad Art Museum.