VIKTOR MATTSSON

The distorted anatomies brimming with personality in the paintings and drawings of Viktor Mattsson exude a surrealist quality. Sparked by archetypal figures deeply embedded in our cultural consciousness, such as devils, cowboys, and clowns, the artist constructs narratives that delve into the timeless conflict between good and evil. His work captures fleeting moments of tension and delicate equilibrium, portraying recurrent scenarios of uniform backgrounds where troubled characters grapple with affliction, finding solace in drinking, melancholy, and violence.

Having grown up in Sweden, Mattsson's paintings dissect enduring themes present within the art historical iconography of the Western hemisphere, making them accessible and relatable. He delves into the moral struggles that have deeply resonated with humanity throughout history. One recurring character in his paintings is the devil, symbolizing malevolence, while the cowboy embodies the idealized man and the clown visualizes the ephemeral nature of humour. Occasionally, small butterflies make an appearance, representing a simple vision of beauty and serenity.

The contrasting emotions depicted in Mattsson's works provide a captivating lens through which to explore the vast spectrum of the human experience. By juxtaposing elements such as joy and sorrow, humour and melancholy, or violence and vulnerability, the artist unveils the intricate complexities of the human experience. Through deeply resonant visual narratives, his depictions evoke a deep understanding of the contradictions and profound impacts of emotions. They highlight that embracing the full spectrum of the human experience allows us to appreciate the richness of our shared humanity.

Viktor Mattsson (b. 1988 in Umeå, Sweden) received his MFA from Umeå Academy of Fine Arts and earned his BFA at the same university. His works have been exhibited across Europe and the UK. Recent solo and group exhibitions include They Come Out At Night, Galleri Cora Hillebrand, Gothenburg (2026, duo); The Disappointment, HAGD Contemporary, Aalborg (2026, solo); Spectre, Newchild, Antwerp (2025); Art Brussels, Newchild, Brussels (2025); Fernweh, Barbé Gallery, Ghent (2025); Penumbra, Frieze No. 9 Cork Street, Newchild, London (2025); KIAF, Newchild, Seoul (2025); Aesthetic Echoes, PLUS-ONE Gallery, Antwerp (2024); Art Brussels, Newchild, Brussels (2024); Pleasure Island, Newchild, Antwerp (2024, solo); FACE TIME, PLUS-ONE Gallery, Antwerp (2023); Snakes in the Grass, Newchild, Antwerp (2023); Spring Spring, Moosey, London (2023); Between the Nightingale and the Lark, Ponti, Antwerp (2023, duo); Thanks For Laughing, Weserhalle, Berlin (2022, solo); Adventures Of Pinocchio, Galleri Alva, Umeå (2022, solo); Art Antwerp, Ponti, Antwerp (2022); Know Thyself, Ponti, Antwerp (2022); Dream Baby Dream, Curated By Maria Abramenko, Venice (2022); Another Spring, Diskus, Aalst (2022). His work is included in the permanent collections of M HKA, Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp; The Public Art Agency Sweden, Luleå Municipality, Skellefteå Municipality and Region Västerbotten. Viktor is represented by Newchild.


SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2026 / They Come Out at Night, Duo, Galleri Cora Hillebrand, Gothenburg
2026 / The Disappointment, HAGD Contemporary, Aalborg
2024 / Pleasure Island, Newchild, Antwerp
2023 / Between the Nightingale and the Lark, Duo, Ponti Space, Antwerp
2022 / Thanks For Laughing, Weserhalle, Berlin


SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2025 / Work On Paper, Pizza Gallery, Antwerp
2025 / Spectre, Newchild, Antwerp
2025 / Art Brussels, Newchild, Brussels
2025 / Fernweh, Barbé Gallery, Ghent
2025 / Penumbra, Frieze No. 9 Cork Street, Newchild, London
2024 / Kiaf, Newchild, Seoul
2024 / Aesthetic Echoes, PLUS-ONE Gallery, Antwerp
2024 / Art Brussels, Newchild, Brussels
2023 / A GENTLE CRUISE, JVDW Gallery, Düsseldorf
2023 / Art Antwerp, Newchild, Antwerp
2023 / FACE TIME, PLUS-ONE Gallery, Antwerp
2023 / Snakes in the Grass, Newchild, Antwerp
2023 / Konst på väg, Public Art Agency Sweden, Stockholm
2023 / Spring Spring, Moosey, London
2022 / Dream Baby Dream, Curated By Maria Abramenko, Venice
2022 / Another Spring, Diskus, Aalst
2021 / The First Swing Of The Bat, Gallery 46, London
2021 / The Thinking Hand, Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities, The Royal Castle, Stockholm


AWARDS | RESIDENCIES

2026 / Two Year Working Grant, The Swedish Arts Grants Committee, Sweden
2021 / One Year Working Grant, The Swedish Arts Grants Committee, Sweden
2021 / The Thinking Hand, Nominated, Stockholm, Sweden
2019 / Galleri Syster Samartbete, Luleå, Sweden


PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

Luleå Kommun
M HKA, Museum of Contemporary Art, Antwerp
Public Art Agency Sweden
Region Västerbotten
Skellefteå Kommun