Extract of Kristina Mezei on Dan Wirén
“Also included in the secrets of the working process are the print itself, together with the transformations that occur while working on the plate and etching it in the acid, and the seconds when the printed paper is lifted from the press bed. Only then it is revealed whether the artist has succeeded in capturing, retaining or ignoring the possibilities of both chance and conscious control.
Dan Wirén’s images have a fresh directness that is characteristic of calligraphy. The lightness of hand smoothly follows the spontaneous motion of the gesture. We are reminded of the automatic drawings of the surrealists, and the abstract expressionists’ formulations of both flow and frustration, primarily the former.
The silhouette-like shapes can be filled with diverse contents. Sojourns in nature, quiet moments and observations full of reflection with a sketchbook in one’s lap are important – not for a world of form where likeness dominates, but rather one where precision allows space for multiplicity and alternatives at the same time.”
Kristina Mezei
PhD in Art Sciences
May 2009
Education
1974-1976 Gerlesborgskolan, Sweden
1977-1982 Kungl. Konsthögskolan (The Royal Institute of Art) Stockholm, Sweden
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2024
Kvarnenart, Zinkgruvan, Sweden
2020
Candyland, Stockholm, Sweden
2019
“Vehicles and Vessels”, Färgfabriken, Stockholm, Sweden
2015
”When Riddle meets Fable”, Black Sesame Space, Beijing, China
”Touchpoints”, APA Gallery, Stockholm, Sweden
2014
A+Café, Caochangdi, Beijing, China
2013
Konstlitografiska museet, Tidaholm, Sweden
Galleri Monica Strandberg, Kalmar, Sweden
2012
APA Gallery, Stockholm, Sweden
2011
KAZ Galleri, Västerås, Sweden
Vetlanda Museum, Sweden
2010
Enköpings konsthall (presentation in Swedish), Sweden
Galleri Mejan, Stockholm, Sweden
Ahlbergshallen Östersund, Sweden
2009
Galleri PS Göteborg (Gothenburg), Sweden
Västervik´s Art Association, Sweden
2008
Hallsberg´s Art Association, Sweden
Västbergslagen´s Art Association, Ludvika, Sweden
Konstforum Norrköping, Sweden
KAZ galleri Västerås, Sweden
2007
Konstnärshuset´s Graphics Group, Stockholm, Sweden
2006
Örebro Konsthall, Sweden
2005
Konstakademien, The Royal Academy of Fine Arts, The East Gallery, Stockholm, Sweden
Gerlesborgskolan´s Gallery, Hamburgsund, Sweden
Selected Group Exhibitions
2014
Bergdala Konstgalleri, Växjö, Sweden – Exhibition together with Gunilla Poignant and Arne Gustafsson
2012
Swedish Graphics of Today, Jakobsbergs konsthall, Sweden
2011
Grafikgalleriet/Konstnärshuset, Stockholm, Sweden
Konstgalleriet Hälleforsnäs, Sweden
2010
Print Triennal, Konstakademien (The Royal Academy of Fine Arts), The Swedish Printmakers’ Association 100 years, Stockholm, Sweden
Selected Public Collections
Moderna Museet, Stockholm, Sweden
The British Museum, UK
National Public Art Council, Sweden
Stockholm City Collection, Sweden
Borås konstmuseum, Sweden
Västerås konstmuseum, Sweden
Göteborgs konstmuseum, Sweden
Grants
Folke Hellström – Lind´s Grant, 2008
Helge Ax:son Johnsons travel grant (Iran), 2004
Konstnärsnämndens working grant (2 years), 2003
Längmanska Fund, 1998
Einar Forseth´s Grant, 1996
Konstakademien (The Royal Academy of Fine Arts) 1994
Konstnärsnämnden´s working grant (1 year), 1992
Västerås City´s Grant, 1986
AnnMari Dahlqvist-Ljungberg´s Grant, 1983
Gerard Bonnier´s Grant, 1981
Selected Public Commissions
2008
“Collector”, glass parties in Danderyd´s Hospital Stockholm, Sweden
1997
Wall murals at KTH (Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm) on behalf of the National Public Art Council, Sweden
More…
The content of this biography is updated on behalf of the artist.