Johan Soderstrom

Johan Söderström is an abstract painter who constructs his work using ordinary construction filler in oak frames. However, his artwork is far from ordinary. Combining graphic expression and tactile materiality, he bestows his pieces with an immense physical presence. Johan also curates participatory art projects, with many of his creations extending beyond their frames and into the room.

Johan Söderström’s Creative Process

Johan works with a strict, minimalistic colour palette of white and light grey. He limits the number of aesthetic parameters to focus on what he deems to be the most significant elements: concept, composition, and physical presence. Using filler as his paint, when applied in thick layers, the mix of fine and coarse material properties contribute to irregularities and cracks in his pieces. Johan emphasises these idiosyncrasies- taking inspiration from Japanese Kintsugi, where broken ceramics are repaired with gold-coloured lacquer to highlight the object's story. The cracks become a visual metaphor for time. Johan equally draws from the immediacy and rawness of Arte Povera and Informalist works.

Exhibitions and Commissions

Johan trained at Kunstakademiet in Trondheim, Norway. He exhibits extensively across Norway and Sweden. His works are part of private and public Scandinavian collections, and he has accomplished several public commissions. The artist lives and works in Oslo, represented by Buer Gallery.