Johan Bloom
Artist Biography
Born 1964 in Sweden, and growing up in Southern Africa between Botswana and Mozambique, Johan Bloom’s work combines moderate Scandinavian colours with a strong vibrant African pallet. His work is a dynamic balance between north and south, history and contemporary life, rock carvings and the digital world. His artistic journey which in the has main evolved through self-discovery and through the influence of teachers like Naguib and Malangatana in developing his visual language. His work is greatly enriched by travels in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe and he is in constant search for contemporary, multi-faceted and multi-cultural expressions that mirrors the world we live in.
His approach involves working in series to unfold a concept or an idea. When Johan is not studio bound, he works on art projects of various kinds. His artistic contributions are mainly focused on the promotion of free-thinking and instigating multiculturalism. These art projects are often run through schools and public spaces.
Johan has exhibited extensively, both in solo and group shows and has participated and developed various art projects.
Education
2015 – Master of yachts, 200gt limited
2006 – Marine biology 1term, Gothenburg university
1994-99 – BEd. (Art and craft), University of Gothenburg.
1992 – Skippers diploma. Class 8
1985 – KV Artschool, 1 year pre-University
1984 – Social Anthropology 1 term, Gothenburg University
Selected Exhibitions
2015
- The Art State, Galerie NOKO, Port Elizabeth.
- No Caveat – Gallery Noko, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
2013
- EU Commission Brussels, Charlemange building (solo)
- Scandic Opalen Hotel, Göteborg (solo)
- Gallery Havshotellet
2012
13 Gallery Rådhusgatan 7, Marstrand
2011
- 14 Open studios Easter, yearly solo exhibition
- 14 Gallery Koch, Stenungsund Konstvandringen
- Vitlycke Museum (solo)
- Gallery FRI (solo)
- Gallery Leva, Visby. Exhibition and trash-art workshop (solo)
- Gallery Överby, Stockholm (solo)
2010
- Artfair, Copenhagen (solo)
- Gallery Hogia, Stenungsund (solo)
2009
- Stockholm Artfair, Kista (solo)
- Gallery Backlund, Gothenburg (solo)
- Gallery Södra hamnen 31, Tjörn (solo)
- Gallery FRI, Skärhamn (solo, twice)
- Frisläppt, Konstrea Outdoor exhibition at Tjörns Trädgårdar ( nursery)
- Gallery Minimal, Särö
2008
- Gallery Sundsby Säteri, Tjörn
- Municipality gallery, Tjörn
2007
Frisläppt; 3 ICA grocerystores, Tjörn
2006
- Municipality building, Gothenburg (solo)
- Borealis art association Gallery Stenungsund (solo)
- Uddevalla Artmuseum/ Bohussalongen
2005
- 06 Säbylund konstgård (solo)
- Gallery LL, Tjörn
- Gallery Viktoria, Gothenburg
2004
05 Gallery Cosmopolitan, Gothenburg (solo)
2005
Gallery Traktoren, Gothenburg (solo)
2001
- Artmuseum, Oskarshamn
- Gallery Fenix, Gothenburg
2000
01 Gallery Forum, Oskarshamn
1989
- National Gallery, Botswana
- Standard bank Gallery, Zimbabwe
1988
Nucleo de arte, Mozambique
1993
Gallery Apart, Stockholm (solo)
1992
Artmuseum, Gothenburg/Decembersalong
Projects and workshops
2014
15 Artbike/frihjul ,Tjörn. One of three project managers.
2012
- 14 Big draw festival, 3 annual public Workshops at the Nordic Watercolour museum
- 14 Angeläget/Amnesty. Art on human rights. Workshops in secondary schools.
2013
- 14 Teckna är stort, Nordic Watercolour museum. Drawing as method of learning.
- Three different schools
2011
- Kulturstorm, Stenungsunds municipality
- Kulturnatta, Culture night. Stenungsund och Kungsbacka, solo show
2012
15 Skapande skola, Art in schools. Tjörns-, Uddevalla-,Gothenburg, Kungsbacka municipality
2012 -14
Trash-Art Workshops. For schools, challenged children and teambuilding.
2012
- UCT, Gymnasiet Tjörn
- FIS, frisläppt i skolan
2011
- Göteborgs Municipality: Divercity unit. Workshop and exhibition.
- Integrate the Swedes! Gothenburg municipality building
- Konst-taxin, Mobile gallery.
- Frisläppt,Konst på oväntad plats, Tjörn.
2010
Frisläppt Youth project: workshop and exhibition, gallery Fri
2009
Kulturstorm Stenungsund 2009
2008 – 15
Gallery/studio FRI. Owner and manager since 2008
Public Art
2014
Skansvägen, Skärhamn, Tjörn: 100m2 wall painting + 150m2 ”linedrawing” on tarmac.
2014
Skärhamn School. 15m2 wall Painting.
2014
Fridas Hage School, Tjörn. Canteen and outdoor theatre. 25m2 wall painting
2013
UCT gymnasium, Tjörn. Wallpainting 2x6meter
2011
Uddevalla Hospital. 10 paintings in the reception area