J.G. Arvidsson, SE/ET

J.G. Arvidsson (b. 1989, Sweden/Ethiopia) is a painter whose work explores themes of identity, narrative, and memory through a distinct visual language.

Often depicting figures in profile or silhouette, his paintings suggest open-ended stories, allowing space for personal interpretation while recurring symbols and motifs provide a framework that subtly guides the viewer’s reading of the work.

Arvidsson’s technique is characterized by a balance between precision and ambiguity. Working with materials such as paint, oil stick, and reclaimed wood, he builds up thick layers before scraping away sections to reveal hidden textures beneath. This tactile approach lends his compositions a raw, weathered quality, reinforcing the sense of history and depth within each piece.

Though his work is rooted in personal and semi-autobiographical themes, Arvidsson expands these narratives to touch on broader social and human experiences. His paintings invite engagement, prompting reflections on the complexities of identity, belonging, and perception.

Arvidsson holds an MFA from The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Painting (2023) and lives and works in Malmö, Sweden. Galleri Nicolai Wallner presented his first solo exhibition in August 2023, and his work has since been exhibited at Liljevalchs Konsthall (Stockholm).