Emanuel Bernstone is a contemporary Swedish artist, born in Karlskrona in 1973, who is known for his compelling abstract and figurative works. His artistic journey began early, influenced by his father, who was also an artist. He continued his formal education at the Nyckelviken School of Arts and Crafts in Stockholm before moving on to the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Düsseldorf. There, he was appointed Meisterschüler in 2003, completing his Master of Fine Arts. Bernstone has since established his home and studio in Berlin, a city that has significantly influenced his recent work.
"Hardly a joke", clubbed for 78 GBP at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
An abstract Painter with Narrative Depth
Bernstone's art is characterized by a fascinating duality, often balancing vivid abstraction with figurative elements. He is particularly renowned for his depictions of birds, which he fuses with abstract compositions of color. These works are noted for their rich, lustrous textures and a subtle complexity that creates mysterious, unfinished narratives. In these pieces, the birds are often meticulously carved out of the background, appearing self-aware as they reflect in water or other shiny surfaces. This gives his bird paintings a sense of meditative stillness and a freedom from overly posed melancholy.
Oil on canvas, clubbed for 331 GBP at Göteborgs Auktionsverk.
A career with many methods
Over his career, Bernstone has employed various methods to challenge his own creative process, sometimes copying the work of others or painting from photographs to reduce his own influence. This experimental approach has resulted in a dynamic and evolving body of work. His art has been exhibited in numerous locations across the world, including in Berlin, Stockholm, London, and San Francisco, and has earned him several grants from institutions such as The Swedish Arts Grants Committee.