Barbro Östlihn was a Swedish artist whose large-scale, geometrically patterned paintings made her a significant figure in the international Pop and Hard-Edge art movements. Born in 1930, Östlihn studied in Stockholm and later moved to New York, where she became part of the vibrant art scene of the 1960s. She married the Pop artist Öyvind Fahlström, and together they were central figures in the development of Swedish and international Pop art.
Tarragona, oil on canvas, clubbed for 10 900 GBP at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
Östlihn’s work is characterized by its precise, geometric compositions and its cool, analytical approach to color and form. Her paintings often draw inspiration from architectural details, natural objects, and urban landscapes, transforming them into abstract, visually striking patterns. While her style shares affinities with Pop art, it is also informed by the traditions of precisionism and surrealism, giving her work a distinctive and enigmatic quality.
Between Pop and Precisionism
Östlihn’s art stands at the intersection of Pop art and precisionist abstraction. Her meticulous attention to detail and her use of bold, flat colors create works that are both visually arresting and intellectually engaging. She was one of the few women included in the landmark Pop Art exhibition at London’s Hayward Gallery in 1969, and her work has been exhibited at leading galleries in New York and Europe.
“Mur vert, Marais”, clubbed for 22 578 GBP at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
Legacy and Recognition
Barbro Östlihn’s paintings are held in major collections, including Moderna Museet in Stockholm. Her contributions to the development of Pop and Hard-Edge painting are increasingly recognized, and her work continues to inspire artists interested in the intersections of abstraction, architecture, and popular culture.