Nils G. Stenqvist

Nils G. Stenqvist © Photo: No WaIT AB

“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.


Artist of the Quarter – Enjoy Scandinavian Art