Tomas Lundgren, born in 1985 in Sweden, studied at Valand Academy in Gothenburg. His fascination with the visual language of historical photographs emerged early in his career, prompting him to explore how the act of painting could reinterpret and preserve fragile memories. This curiosity became the foundation for a distinctive body of work centred on monochrome portraiture.
"Mask 1.1", clubbed for 5 414 GBP at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
Monochrome as Meditation
Working from archival images, Lundgren creates large-scale portraits in shades of grey, deliberately removing colour to focus on tone, texture, and light. His slow, deliberate painting process mirrors the contemplative act of remembering. Each brushstroke is carefully considered, resulting in surfaces that carry both the clarity and imperfections of memory. The absence of colour heightens the timelessness of his subjects, allowing viewers to encounter them without the distraction of historical context. Exhibitions in Sweden and abroad have highlighted his ability to transform anonymous faces into deeply human presences.
Recognition and Continuing Relevance
Lundgren’s work has been collected by museums and praised by critics for its quiet intensity and technical mastery. By bridging the gap between photography and painting, his practice challenges viewers to reconsider how we connect with the past. In an age of fleeting digital images, his deliberate, tactile process stands as a reminder of the value of slowness, reflection, and craft.