From the Crises What Crises? / Financial Meltdown 2008 Series by Johan Wahlstrom
Artist Statement about the Series
I carry this question: Is this the death of the middle class? We read it in the news, we watch it on the TV. They claim its everywhere. Who is to blame, Who is to gain. The very rich are still very rich. The very poor are still very poor. Crises are what we want it to be or not to be. So once again; Crises What Crises? Time will tell.
I am truly happy to be alive and to have the privilege to work as a visual artist. Crises or no crises, I will continue to paint and enjoy this life until the end.
Johan Wahlstrom
Marbella, Spain
About the Artist
In Marbella, Spain, Johan Wahlstrom resides amidst mountains overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. An accomplished artist and contributor to the contemporary art scene, Johan uses his unique hand to express strength and emotion using the surrounding Spanish light, intense colors and his memories of French villages. This, integrated with a natural and honest impulsivity, makes his work both a challenge and a comfort to his audience.
Johan's artwork leans into the realm of expressionism, abstract expressionism and outsider art. Many of his influences are German expressionists such as Gabrielle Munther, Karl Schmidt-Rotluff, Christian Rohlfs plus 19th century Russian painter and musician Wassily Kandinsky. His paintings blend mostly blues, oranges and reds. Some of his other more abstract compositions are thoughtful yet carefree using unpredictable color combinations and brush stroke patterns. His woodcarvings tend to use solitary and anonymous figures with clearly identifiable colors.
Johan received an informal education in the art of observation, apprenticeship, and experience. He began as a musician and his ambition led him to drop out of high school. While on tour, he spent much of his time drawing while also forming friendships with artists in Stockholm. Johan said he "used to hang out in their studios for several years getting hints and ideas." He was also raised observing the artistic talents of his mother, Ellen Tode, his grandmother, Sigrid Tode, and Waldemar Tode, his grandmother's uncle, who is part of the National Museum of Art in Stockholm, Sweden.
Johan has a unique approach to his work. He "[paints] out of a name," using a working title as a prompt to apiece. The title will remain if the painting stays true to the title impression. He also listens to music he feels corresponds with his current project, accenting it with "funny noises" coming from his mouth. Johan states, "I lose contact with what's going on around me and what time it is and for how long I have been painting."
