Jonas Larson

About the artist

Jonas Larson (born in 1956) likes to play with shape, color and structure to create images that he thinks are interesting to look at and to contemplate. That is the most important thing for him. Nature is his source of inspiration. Walking in the forests of Northern Halland where he lives (situated in south west of Sweden), he searches for interesting effects in nature that trigger his inspiration. For the last 2-3 years tree trunks have been a major inspiration source. The motif might seem simple and limited; a heavy, massive body in the center, standing solidly on a base, and with a layered landscape-like background, which reminds him of the late abstract compositions of Rothko - a big inspiration to him. However, this seemingly simple motif provides interesting creative challenges in the abundance of shapes, color and intricate structures that are found in nature. The paintings can be altered in endless ways to create interesting effects and different expressions. The tree trunk paintings can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the viewer. It is his way to comment on the global climate changes and the influence of modern way of living on nature. His inner drive to express himself through painting and the global climate situation motivate and inspire him to continue to develop as an artist. The tree imagery used in Jonas Larson’s artwork shows a form of individualization, as the influence of his living environment. Sometimes, the works convey a form of tragedy happening to nature. The color of nature, green, is mixed with diverse colors to convey the polarities of utopian and dystopian depictions of the influence of culture over nature, as if we are invited to read the canvases as a form of ecocritical manifestation. This is a message we all need to hear. Jonas Larson lives and works in Kungsbacka, Halland, Sweden and some of his works are held in private collections in Sweden.

Lapland Tree

Lapland Tree

Acrylic on paper, 70x70 cm, 2017

Golden Birch

Golden Birch

Acrylic on paper, 70x70 cm, 2017

L´Heure Bleue

L´Heure Bleue

Acrylic on paper, 70x70 cm, 2017

Tree in deep forest

Tree in deep forest

Acrylic on paper, 30x40 cm, 2016