Håkan Bengtsson is a Swedish contemporary artist whose work is characterized by its contemplative, meditative, and layered approach to painting and drawing. Born in Sölvesborg in 1965, Bengtsson studied at the Royal Institute of Art (Kungliga Konsthögskolan) in Stockholm and the Malmö Art Academy (Konsthögskolan i Malmö), from which he graduated in 1996. Since then, he has established himself as a significant figure in Swedish art, known for his thoughtful and process-driven practice.
Oil on canvas, clubbed for 1 402 GBP at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
Bengtsson’s recent works, such as those exhibited at Krognoshuset, often feature drawings on MDF board and canvas, as well as sculptural elements in materials like charcoal, red chalk, and oil paint. His artistic process is marked by a slow, deliberate build-up of layers, reflecting a deep engagement with the sublime and the contemplative. Bengtsson describes his art as an inner search, a response to the stress and transience of contemporary life, and a quest to create something lasting that viewers can immerse themselves in.
Process and Presence
Bengtsson’s paintings and drawings are the result of a layered, time-intensive process, where each mark and decision is carefully considered. He often finds himself on the edge between success and failure, embracing the fragility and unpredictability of the creative act. His respect for the artwork and the process itself is evident, as he values the dissonances and imperfections that bring the works to life. The resulting images are both delicate and enduring, inviting viewers to pause and reflect.
Composition, charcoal on free-standing framed paper.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Håkan Bengtsson has exhibited widely in Sweden and internationally, including at the Carnegie Art Award, Dunkers Kulturhus, Art Affairs Amsterdam, and Millesgården in Stockholm. He lives and works in Lund, where he continues to explore the boundaries of painting, drawing, and sculpture, offering audiences a space for contemplation and renewal.