Bengt Lindström, Swedish painter and sculptor (b. 1925)

Bengt Karl Erik Lindström (1925–2008) was a highly distinctive and influential Swedish artist, celebrated for his powerful abstract expressionist works. Born on September 3, 1925, in Storsjö kapell, a remote and rugged area of Härjedalen, Sweden, Lindström's formative years in the vast, wild landscapes of northern Sweden are often cited as a profound influence on his later artistic vision, contributing to the raw energy and vibrant palette characteristic of his art.

Lindström's artistic journey began in 1944 when he moved to Stockholm to study under the renowned Swedish Expressionist painter Isaac Grünewald. Grünewald, a former student of Henri Matisse, introduced Lindström to the vivid use of color and emotional depth that would become hallmarks of his own style. Furthering his education internationally, Lindström relocated to Paris in 1948, a pivotal move that exposed him to the avant-garde movements shaping post-war European art. In Paris, he honed his skills under the tutelage of prominent French painters André Lhote, known for his Cubist principles and rigorous approach to form, and Fernand Léger, a pioneer of Cubism and Purism who emphasized the beauty of the machine age and simplified forms. These diverse foundational influences laid the groundwork for Lindström's unique artistic synthesis.

A significant turning point in Lindström's artistic development was his encounter with the work of Dutch painter Karel Appel, a leading figure of the COBRA movement. The COBRA group, active from 1948 to 1951, embraced spontaneity, experimentation, and a primal, anti-academic approach to art, often drawing inspiration from children's drawings and indigenous art. Appel's raw, explosive energy, bold colors, and distorted figures resonated deeply with Lindström, profoundly influencing his characteristic style. Lindström's works became instantly recognizable for their distinct, vibrant colors and often featured contorted, mask-like faces, conveying a sense of primitive power and emotional intensity. His art often explored themes rooted in Nordic mythology, folklore, and the rugged, mystical landscapes of his homeland, reinterpreted through a dynamic, modern lens.

Lindström established his long-term residence and studio in Savigny-sur-Orge, France, where he lived and worked for the majority of his prolific artistic career. Despite living abroad, his Swedish heritage and connection to Nordic themes remained a constant source of inspiration. He was a dedicated family man, father to two children, Mariana and Alexandre.

Bengt Lindström passed away on January 29, 2008, in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to art.

Public Art and Enduring Legacy

Lindström is perhaps most widely recognized for his expansive outdoor decorations, which include large-scale mural paintings and striking, colorful sculptures that integrate art directly into the public sphere. These monumental works demonstrate his mastery of color and form on an architectural scale, making his art accessible to a broader audience and leaving a lasting imprint on urban and natural environments.

Among his most iconic public commissions is the massive "Y-sculpture," also known as "The Lindström Sculpture" or "The Y-factor," situated at Midlanda Airport (now Sundsvall Timrå Airport) north of Sundsvall, Sweden. This colossal concrete sculpture, painted in his signature vibrant hues, stands as a prominent landmark and a testament to his bold artistic vision. Its monumental presence and dynamic form embody the spirit of his work, merging abstract elements with a powerful, almost totemic quality.

Lindström's contribution to contemporary art is significant, marked by his unique fusion of abstract expressionism with Nordic sensibility. His vibrant palette and expressive forms continue to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as one of Sweden's most important and internationally recognized contemporary artists.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bengt Lindström

When was Bengt Lindström born and when did he pass away?
Bengt Lindström was born on September 3, 1925, and he passed away on January 29, 2008.
What is Bengt Lindström best known for in his art?
Lindström is best known for his distinct, vibrant use of color, often featuring contorted faces in his paintings, and his large-scale outdoor decorations, including colorful sculptures and mural paintings.
Where did Bengt Lindström study art?
He studied in Stockholm, Sweden, under Isaac Grünewald in 1944, and later in Paris, France, under André Lhote and Fernand Léger starting in 1948.
Which artistic movement influenced Bengt Lindström's style significantly?
Lindström was significantly influenced by the COBRA movement, particularly through the works of artist Karel Appel, which contributed to his use of raw energy, bold colors, and expressive, often distorted figures.
What is the "Y-sculpture" and where is it located?
The "Y-sculpture" is one of Bengt Lindström's most famous monumental sculptures. It is located at Midlanda Airport (Sundsvall Timrå Airport) north of Sundsvall, Sweden, and is a notable example of his public art.
Where did Bengt Lindström live and work for most of his career?
Bengt Lindström lived and worked for the rest of his artistic career in Savigny-sur-Orge, France, after moving to Paris in 1948.