Håkan Karvonen

My work is based on a research process where painting has the role as a tool of research. The material quality of oil paint and the long history of painting allows me to filter the subject and contemplate what about it catches my interest.

The subject on which the works are based usually comes from a concept of individual or collective identity.  This derive from the personal reason of my family’s immigration to Sweden, by the end of the 60’s, and how it affected us through generations.


At the moment I’m attempting to construct a narrative of Swedish-ness. By juxtaposing symbols, icons and events which swedes take pride in against ones rather avoided. For instance the cherished icon Pippi Longstocking, against the so called “Nogger Black” case.


I was born in Jämtland, Sweden, the 25th of February.
 1989.