Out of the box. An art talk about the banker and artist Olle Baertling
Olle Baertling, 1951. Photo: Lennart Olson © Lennart Olson/Hallands Konstmuseum
Olle Bærtling is one of Sweden's most significant 20th century artists. He is best known for his paintings of triangular color fields which seem to continue beyond the edge of the canvas. Baertling was born in Halmstad in 1911, after his business education he went on to work in a bank until 1956, when he decided to focus entirely on art.
On Sveavägen we can find three of his works: the scupture Xral (1972) outside the school (belongs to the SSE permanent collection), a huge window curtain for Peter Celsing's Kulturhus at Sergels torg, and murals in one of Hötorgsskraporna’s entrances (the modernistic skyscrapes close to Sergels torg).
In paintings, sculptures, and flags, Baertling experimented with abstract shapes, angles and compositions which challenge and expand surface and space. With the flags he was able to place his compositions directly in the open space. One of his flags can be found at one of the flagpoles outside SSE between October 14 to October 18.
Come listen to the art talk by Håkan Nilsson on October 18, 12.15-13 in the Jacob Dahlgren Room on the fifth floor. Håkan Nilsson is Professor in Art History at Södertörns högskola.
A light lunch will be served.
Olle Baertling´s huge window curtain for Peter Celsing's Kulturhus at Sergels torg. Photo: Tinni Rappe