“Nils G Stenqvist´s elements of form are always linked to nature itself not infrequently as experienced through a hand lens, a light microscope or an electron microscope. His world of form is rich but in his art one basic shape occurs frequently, that of an amoeba. A cell with its nucleus: the eye, brain and heart all in one. But this fundamental shape of his is as variable as that of the amoeban cell.”
“Nils G. Stenqvist´s art shows us the encounter between forces, from those regulating the original shape to those volcanic forces which cause tremors in the planet Earth. He has never lost his surprise and delight at the beauty of small and insignificant things. He has written: “Often I start with a rather small and insignificant piece of nature that I simplify and change during my work- in the hope of being surprised.”
He is also astonished by the similarity between Microcosm and Macrocosm. Unless we are told otherwise some of his “strangely grown rods” can bear a great resemblance to chromosomes. The surface of a brain coral can suggest a dance macabre or a virus pattern or the surface of a foreign planet seen through a telescope, depending on the viewer´s frames of reference.”
Parts of an introductory text to the exhibition at The Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 1983) Sven Laufeld, Fil. Dr., First State Geologist Geological Survey of Sweden
Biography
1973-83
Member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Stockholm, Sweden
1969-73
The chairman of NUNSKU ; The Committee for Contemporary Swedish Art Abroad.
1964
The IX-group was formed.
1963-1973
Assistant teacher at The Royal University College of Fine arts, Stockholm, Sweden
1961-63
Printer, assistant teacher at The Royal University College of Fine arts, Stockholm, Sweden
1958
Studied at Royal College of Art, London, UK
1956-61
Studied at The Royal University College of Fine arts, Stockholm
Selected Solo Exhibitions in Sweden
2013
“Signs of Life”, Grafikens hus, Mariefred
2009
Galleri Odvalds, Gotland
2008
“Spår av liv”, Haninge konsthall (presentation in Swedish)
2005
Galleri Olefjord Simrishamn
Gröna paletten, Stockholm
2004
Enköpings Art Hall
Xylon Ronneby
2003
Konstnärshuset, Stockholm
Tomarps Kungsgård
Galleri Astley, Uttersberg
Visby Museum of Art
2002
Gula Rummet, Stuvsta
2001
Gröna Paletten, Stockholm
1999
Galleri Udengaard, Malmö
Galleri Gaia, Stockholm
1998
Galleri Thommesen, Göteborg (Gothenburg)
Galleri Bergman, Stockholm
Galleri Astley, Uttersberg
1995
Galleri Christina Höglund, Stockholm
1994
Galleri Dr Glas, Stockholm
Nordic Light, Stockholm
1983
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Stockholm
Selected Solo Exhibitions Abroad
1985
Travemünde, Germany
1974
Bradford, UK
1971
Lübeck, Germany
1968
Minneapolis, U.S.A.
1964
Marburg, Germany
Selected Group Exhibitions
Nils G. Stenqvist has taken part in group exhibitions in all of the Nordic countries, many of the European countries, Russia, USA, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, South America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Selected Public Commissions
The library at the university of Linköping, Sweden
The Academy of Ballet, Stockholm, Sweden
Swedish Museum of Natural History, Sweden
Selected prices
First price Xylon V (price in woodcut, Genéve, Switzerland) 1970.
First price in the biennial of graphics, Bradford 1972.
Selected Public Collections
Museum of Modern Art, Stockholm, Sweden
Gothenburg Museum of Art, Sweden
British Museum, UK
Stafford College of Art, Uk
Art Museum, Lübeck, Germany
Kupferstichkabinett, Dresden, Germany
Art Museum in Krakow, Poland
Salvador Allende Museum, Chile
Selected Publications
Gillmore, Pat
Modern Prints, Studio Vista London, 1970
Webster, Lynn
A brief history of printmaking in Sweden. Svenska Institutet Stockholm 1978.