Waldemar Sjölander is counted among the group known as the Gothenburg Colourists, artists with lyrical coloristic features who studied under Tor Bjurström at Valand during the 1920s. Already in 1946, Sjölander moved to Mexico, where he found his artistic liberation. As a painter, graphic artist, and sculptor, he continually evolved towards greater independence and originality, with a focus on experimentation. In the new country, he combined his coloristic features with the native richness of colors, resulting in exciting compositions with a personal expression. His evolution from Gothenburg colourism towards increasing simplicity in form and color shows a tendency towards the abstract. For Sjölander, art was something that lived its own life. Time determines what survives and becomes enduring.
At Göteborgs Auktionsverk, we want to highlight a colorist who has somewhat been overshadowed by his peers at the art school. It is an artistic career filled with exciting encounters and constant development, a dual life on two continents. We present 47 artworks in oil and gouache, as well as lithographic prints and a sculpture. They range from the 1940s to the 1980s. Welcome to discover an artist with roots in Gothenburg and a life in Mexico!
