Sweden's 51 Most Influential Art Professionals 2025

1. Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics

As President of the Stockholm School of Economics, Lars Strannegård is training the business leaders of the future. Together with Tinni Ernsjöö Rappe and others, he has brought the arts into the heart of education, inviting a new generation on an educational journey that will fundamentally change our society. Strannegård's educational ideals safeguard the role of culture in the development of society, making him one of Sweden's most influential and strongest voices in the cultural debate - even far beyond the walls of the Academy.

2. Nordenhake family & Ben Loveless, gallery owners

With galleries in Stockholm, Berlin and Mexico City, Galerie Nordenhake is an institution in the art world of northern Europe. The combination of international reputation, long-term artist relationships and participation in the world's leading art fairs has made them Sweden's only true mega-gallery. In magnificent new premises in Östermalm, they show Sweden's heaviest selection of art.

3. PREKS, Prince Daniel & Sara Sandström, Executive Director of the Princess Estelle Cultural Foundation

In a unique collaboration between art and the royal family, Prince Daniel and Sara Sandström, together with a modestly art-initiated board, have created one of the country's most exciting public art projects. Their collaboration allows international contemporary art to take place in a traditional and scenic environment on the King's old hunting grounds. With a broad program of activities in collaboration with several institutions and the “Art of the Day” initiative, they invite new audiences to the meaningful world of art. Thanks to a generous gift from Elin Kling and Karl Lindman, the Polish artist Monika Sosnowska's sculpture Museum has been acquired as the sixth permanent work in the park.

4. Ciléne Andréhn & Marina Schiptjenko, gallery owners

A well-deserved top spot for the duo who, with a rare eye and artistic focus, combining artistic strategy with sharp business sense, continue to deliver well-curated exhibitions in the gallery in Stockholm and Paris. With a perfect balance of interesting new artists and established big stars, they reach several generations of art buyers.

5. Patrick Amsellem, superintendent and director of the National Museum

The Nationalmuseum is back in the spotlight after Patrick literally and figuratively opened the doors to new art experiences and audiences. As the director of the Nationalmuseum, Patrick Amsellem is leading efforts to revitalize the museum's role. With long queues as a result, the Thursday evenings with free admission, live music, bar hangouts and workshops are an obvious success, enriching visitors by broadening the dialogue between older and contemporary art.

6. Magnus Karlsson, gallery owner

Few have served Swedish contemporary art with the same enduring elegance as Magnus Karlsson. For thirty-five years, he has been one of the most stable names in the Swedish gallery business. With international success and a roster that includes some of Sweden's most sought-after artists, he has built a platform where contemporary art can both flourish freely and grow steadily. Waiting times for works by the most prominent artists are long. Get in line!

7. Carl Kostyál, gallery owner

Art Sweden's Duracell Bunny moves seamlessly across continents, connecting the various nodes of the art world. With galleries in Stockholm, London, Milan and Hong Kong and exhibitions all over the world, Kostyál is by far our most international art profile. Always accessible, and with his disarming manner, he has gained the trust of unexpected art buyers from the celebrity and tech world that other gallerists only dream of. In addition, he is the art director at Hospitalet, with special exhibitions at Stora Sundby Castle, and is constantly present at international fairs.

8. Per & Helena Skarstedt, gallery owners and art dealers

For many Swedes, husband and wife Per and Helena Skarstedt are relatively unknown. Quietly, the couple has built one of the world's leading gallery businesses on the other side of the Atlantic, with premises in the art capitals of New York, London and Paris. If you want a better painting by Picasso, Eric Fischl or a sculpture by Giacometti, the Skarstedts are the people to call.

9. Björn Wetterling, gallery owner

Sweden's most popular gallery owner and Kungsan's eternally young monarch continues to stick his neck out in the service of art. While his peers prefer public pension, Björn chooses to accelerate. With a new team, Wetterling exhibits at several international fairs, activates new client groups and continues to mix Scandinavian young artists with the international art world's real top veterans such as Ed Ruscha, Frank Stella, and James Rosenqvist.

10. Gitte Ørskou & Co, Moderna Museet

The team at Sweden's most important institution for modern and contemporary art is having a hard time with the possible mergers of both ArkDes and the Swedish Arts Council. Regardless, Moderna Museet retains its position as one of Europe's most influential institutions for contemporary art. We want to see more of Hendrik Folkert's entrance as curator, whose progressive and inclusive curation has become an important part of the museum's contemporary profile. Much more.

11. Teresa & David Castenfors, founders of Artlover

Under the leadership of Teresa and David Castenfors, Artlover has consistently served the Swedish contemporary art scene through the country's sole print-only art magazine. With free distribution, attractive design and in-depth interviews, the magazine reaches straight into the heart of the art world. We are eagerly awaiting the international edition. An obvious success!

12. Andreas Rydén och Louise Arén, deputy CEO and CEO of Bukowskis

The battleship that is Bukowskis continues to thunder forward as the market leader for Fine Art auctions in Sweden. Andreas Rydén and Louise Arén have steered the ship straight into the world of auctions. With a timely digital makeover and a super-strong brand, they continue to deliver world records that make most competitors pale. Their success was recognized internationally - so much so that Bonhams couldn't resist swooping in and buying them. From Östermalm to the world, quite simply.

13. Niclas Belenius, Katarina Sjögren & Jonas Kleerup, gallery owners of Belenius

Galleri Belenius continues its development as one of Stockholm's most interesting scenes for contemporary art. With Niclas Belenius at the helm, reinforced by Katarina Sjögren and art guru Jonas Kleerup, they move elegantly between different expressions and generations – without losing focus on quality and originality. We hope that this record year will take them to the next level.

14. Lisa Ivemark, art advisor

With over 30 years of experience in the art world, Lisa Ivemark is a heavyweight with a keen eye for detail. As head of VIP relations in Scandinavia at Art Basel, she guides collectors with both a sharp eye and a brilliant network. She runs Grimroad Art Advisory and provides exclusive advice to collectors who want to invest in art. Previous roles at Bukowskis and Stockholms Auktionsverk have honed her expertise to perfection.

15. Lars Nittve & Jonas Höglund, Arte Collectum

Arte Collectum has established itself as Sweden's most serious art fund (and perhaps the only one). With Lars Nittve's experience and Jonas Höglund's strategic leadership, the fund has built a sharp team and a portfolio that both reflects the present and invests in the future. The focus is on global perspectives, female artists and names that redefine art history.

16. Christian Larsen and Darren Warner

Since moving to Östermalm, Larsen Warner, led by Christian Larsen and Darren Warner, has established itself as one of Scandinavia's most influential galleries. With an uncompromising artist roster and critical collectors with deep pockets, they continue to gain market shares. The gallery shows a mix of international stars and new discoveries, often with precision and timing like few others. During Stockholm Art Week 2025, they presented an acclaimed solo exhibition with the previously overlooked artist Iria Leino – one of the most talked about features of the fair.

17. Birgitta Rubin, journalist

At a time when art coverage in traditional media is thinning, Sweden's sharpest pen is more important than ever. Birgitta Rubin has long been a leading voice in the Swedish art landscape. With her ear to the ground and a meticulous schedule, she still manages to capture contemporary expression with sharpness, integrity and passion. Her reviews in the country's largest daily newspaper are both eagerly awaited and feared; like Sunday school students, they stand at attention and await her text, hoping to be praised rather than dissed.

18. Patrik Steorn, museum director

With intellectual acuity and curatorial power, Patrik Steorn has lifted the Gothenburg Museum of Art – and thus the west coast – to the cultural forefront of Sweden. Based on his thesis Naked Men. Masculinity and creativity in Swedish visual culture 1900-1915, he has paved the way for a deeper understanding of the place of homosexuality in art. Steorn combines academic weight with educational clarity – a combination that makes him indispensable in the work of expanding the true stories of art.

19. Verner Åmell, art dealer

Sweden's largest art buyer seems to have no plans to slow down. With his son Alexander at his side, Åmell's art dealership has expanded its focus to include contemporary art. They tailor collections for institutions and billionaires alike, from Liljefors foxes to Irving Penn photos to 17th-century Dutch still lifes.

20. Joanna Sundström, founder of Stockholm Art Week and Part Projects

The art world's PR queen and spider at the centre of the web. She is also the brains behind Stockholm Art Week, where she turns the capital into a catwalk for contemporary art. She runs her own agency Part Projects and advises both museum directors and gallerists when it comes to communication and events. Want to know what's happening in the art world? Ask Joanna – she's already been there.

21. Lap-See Lam, artist

One of the most acclaimed artists of recent years has undoubtedly been Lap See Lam. Known for combining family history, migration and digital technology in poetic installations, she was invited to represent Sweden and the Nordic countries at the Venice Biennale in 2024. She currently has an exhibition at Moderna Museet, and just the other day she received one of the world's largest art prizes, The Lise Wilhelmsen Art Award, which, in addition to almost one million SEK, gives her a solo exhibition at Henie Onstad in Norway in 2026.

22. Michael Storåkers, Anna-Karin Pusic and Michael Elmenbeck, CFHILL

The tireless troika of Michael Storåkers, Anna-Karin Pusic and Michael Elmenbeck is undoubtedly one of Stockholm's most influential galleries. With its mix of art history, innovation and strong network, CFHILL is a hub on the Swedish art scene. This year the hybrid gallery celebrates ten years. Michael Storåkers is also chairman of the Royal Swedish Opera and the clothing company Rodebjer, which often mixes art with fashion.

23. Cecilia Hillström and Katrin Källeskog, gallery owners

What started as a young gallery has grown into one of Scandinavia's most respected players in contemporary art. With some of Sweden's most acclaimed artists in their stable, Cecilia Hillström and Katrin Källeskog combine artistic flair with order and professionalism. The gallery exhibits at fairs internationally, and is a cohesive force in the gallery district that has become an obvious weekend art-destination in Stockholm.

24. Karin Mamma Andersson, artist

One of Sweden's most influential artists, her unique imagery, which blends Nordic melancholy with art historical references, has had a major international impact. She is represented by Magnus Karlsson and David Zwirner and is in the collections of MoMA, Moderna Museet and MoCA Los Angeles. Mamma Andersson has not only paved the way for other female artists, she has shaped the entire visual language of contemporary art in Sweden.

25. Elin Frendberg, executive director at Fotografiska

As Executive Director of Fotografiska Stockholm, Elin leads the museum's efforts to combine photography, sustainability and contemporary culture. Under her leadership, Fotografiska has reclaimed its role as a dynamic meeting place, presenting everything from classic photographers to cutting-edge digital art and NFT exhibitions. She has been a driving force in developing the museum's sustainability profile, including through collaborations such as 'The Echo Chamber' with the H&M Foundation. Under her leadership, Fotografiska celebrates 15 years with its largest group exhibition to date, marking the museum's role as one of Sweden's most influential cultural institutions.

26. Ashik Zaman & Koshik Zaman, journalists and curators, C-print

C-print is a digital art platform founded by brothers Ashik and Koshik Zaman, who have established themselves as an influential voice in Swedish contemporary art. Since its inception over ten years ago, C-print has evolved from a digital magazine to also include a print magazine and serve as an exhibition platform. The brothers are active as curators, writers and moderators of artist talks and panel discussions, and their involvement has made them central figures in the art world. Ashik Zaman has been artistic director at SKF since 2024 and is a board member of the Swedish Arts Grants Committee.

27. Joanna Sandell Wright, director of Liljevalchs

Joanna is the art curator who built a solid background in the art world, having served as director of, among others, Botkyrka Konsthall, Kalmar Konstmuseum, and Södertälje Konsthall, before she a few years ago took up her position at one of the country’s most prestigious and widely visited art institutions, Liljevalchs Art Gallery in Stockholm. Sandell Wright is known for her commitment to making art accessible to a broad audience and has a passion for working closely with artists and exploring the potential of art to tell stories.

28. Dragana Kusoffsky Maksimović, museum director

Dragana is one of Sweden’s art world's most influential and powerful figures, thanks to her extensive experience as an artistic director and curator. She has led prominent institutions and played a key role in shaping the direction of contemporary art in Sweden, not least by challenging conventional ways of presenting artists and themes. With her ability to attract both art aficionados and the curious to Sven-Harrys, she gets audiences to flock to the exhibitions as if they were the hottest events of the year. Just recently, she was also appointed by the government as a board member of the Swedish Arts Grants Committee.

29. Parisa Liljestrand, Minister of Culture

The Minister of Culture is doing her best (we hope) to keep Sweden’s art scene alive, even if there’s still much more to be done. She juggles budgets and bureaucracy to ensure that artists can keep creating without having to sell their firstborn on the black market. The question is whether it’s possible to solve the puzzle of a vibrant cultural life while keeping the purse strings tight. If she pulls it off, she’s a strong contender for the top spot on the list.

30. Britta Marakatt-Labba, artist

Britta Marakatt-Labba’s work and political voice have been crucial in bringing Sámi culture and history to light within contemporary art. She has not only conveyed Sámi culture but also challenged norms and inspired new generations to engage with issues of the environment and Indigenous rights. Through her detailed embroideries, she depicts Sámi life, mythology, and the struggle for Indigenous rights, earning her a unique position in the art world. Her monumental work Historjá has been exhibited internationally, including at Documenta 14 in Kassel.

31. Magnus Bexhed & Sofie Bexhed, Uppsala Auktionskammare, CEO and head of sales

Despite economically uncertain times, Uppsala Auktionskammare continues to break record after record in marathon bidding sessions. With the dynamic duo Magnus and Sofie Bexhed at the helm, the house has transformed from a traditional auction chamber into a sleek, modern global player. They’ve polished the brand, sharpened the customer experience, and established a strong presence in the capital. Here, it’s not just objects that go under the hammer — but rather history sold with style.

32. Lena Malm, program manager for visual arts at IASPIS

With a steady hand and a keen eye, door-opener Malm guides Swedish artists out into the world while simultaneously welcoming international voices to the Swedish scene. Through residency programmes, exchanges, and artistic collaborations, she builds bridges between studios in northern Sweden and art biennials in Seoul. Thanks to Malm’s strategic work, Sweden continues to play in the global art league—not just as a participant, but as a collaborator and initiator. In her world, the passport is always packed and the schedule full of artistic cross-pollination.

33. Karin Wolodarski & Maria Lindholm, journalists at Dagens industri & DI Weekend

Karin Wolodarski and Maria Lindholm are two of the sharpest voices in the art world. In DI and DI Weekend, they put both artists and auction houses in the spotlight. With a keen sense of timing and sharp insight, they deliver thoughtful reports that explain and elevate the shifts, trends, and record sales of the art market. Karin juggles art criticism and auction picks with razor-sharp elegance, while Maria digs deep into conversations in artists’ studios. Together, they set the standard for art journalism that’s both compelling and precise.

34. Filip Zięciak & Jeanette Gunnarsson, gallery owners of Coulisse Gallery

Coulisse Gallery has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting players in Stockholm. On Gävlegatan, it presents both emerging, untested artists and more established names in a space where artistic integrity and contemporary relevance are at the core. Here, the next generation of collectors, curators, and art lovers come together.

35. Pontus Bonnier, collector and chair of Bonniers Konsthall 

Pontus Bonnier is one of Sweden’s most influential cultural figures, known for his deep commitment to contemporary art and his leadership at Bonniers Konsthall. As Chair of the Board, he has been a driving force behind the institution’s development into one of the country’s most vital and compelling arenas for contemporary art. His dedication also extends to his personal art collection, which includes works by both Swedish and international artists. Through his efforts, he continues the family tradition of promoting and supporting the arts in Sweden.

36. Sara Berner Bengtsson, CEO of Market Art Fair & team

Since taking the helm in 2020, she has transformed the fair into a dynamic platform for Nordic art, with a strong focus on sustainability, diversity, and artistic dialogue. With previous experience at Galerie Forsblom in Stockholm and major international institutions such as Christie’s and White Cube in London, she brings a unique combination of global perspective and local grounding. Through her clarity, dedication, and visionary leadership, Sara Berner Bengtsson continues to shape and develop Sweden’s most important recurring meeting point for contemporary art.

37. Caroline D. Anchér, Isabella Dalenson and Teodor Dalenson, gallery owners

With one foot in Stockholm and the other in some of the most vital international art scenes, the family navigates between artists such as Damien Hirst, Ian Davenport, and Ross Bleckner. Through sharp curatorial instincts and a global network of contacts, they have made Sweden a hub for artists from around the world. And at the centre of it all is a family that manages to make global contemporary art both relevant and personal at home.

38. Jeanette Steinsland & Jacob Kampp Berliner, gallery owners

Constantly relevant, GSB is perhaps the most sympathetic and beloved gallery in all of Sweden. The gallery personifies a genuine belief in and love for contemporary art. The entrepreneur Jakob Berliner is based in Copenhagen, while the Norwegian Jeanette Steinsland steers the ship from Bondegatan in Stockholm. Together they have built an obvious hub for young Nordic art. Artists such as Malin Gabriella Nordin, Ragnar Persson, and Leo Park have all left clear marks, both in popular culture and on the international scene. In Södermalm, they stand completely without competition.

39. PG Nilsson & Calle Carboni, restauranteurs and curators, Svenska Brasserier

With the one percent rule as their guiding principle (where one percent of the construction cost is allocated to art), Svenska Brasserier has created environments where art and gastronomy merge. Riche is today iconic for everyone who has in some way worked with art over the past two decades. Riche Fenix and Teatergrillen function as much as exhibition spaces as they do restaurants. Ben Loveless from Galerie Nordenhake began his career behind the bar here – and it was he who set the artistic tone that still gives Riche its legendary status today. Today it is Calle Carboni who carries the baton forward, while PG Nilsson continues to open both his wallet and doors – with unusual generosity.

40. Christine Mack, collector and philanthropist

The Swedish-American art collector has become known for her commitment to contemporary art and her support of young artists. She is the founder of Mack Art Foundation and Greenpoint Studios, a residency program in Brooklyn that offers artists from around the world the opportunity to work and live in New York City for three months. Mack has built a significant collection of contemporary artworks and has collaborated with artists such as KAWS to create public art installations in cities like New York, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles. She is also co-founder of Space2Create, a curatorial platform that transforms empty retail and commercial spaces into art exhibitions.

41. Sara Arrhenius, director 

Sara Arrhenius has been the director of the Institut Suédois in the Marais district of Paris for two years. As a cultural diplomat, she has become a central figure tasked with promoting Swedish culture within the Francophile cultural sphere. With intellectual sharpness and diplomatic finesse, she builds bridges between Sweden and France, while also strengthening Sweden’s position in intellectual France.

42. Joanna Nordin, artistic director, Bonnier Konsthall

Since 2023, Joanna Nordin has been the Artistic Director of Bonniers Konsthall in Stockholm, where she challenges and engages audiences with a sharp eye and experimental approach. She focuses on social, ecological, and political themes, often through interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative formats. With experience from institutions such as Carl Eldh’s Studio Museum and Index – The Swedish Contemporary Art Foundation, she has established herself as a driving force in Swedish contemporary art. She has worked with a number of prominent artists and continues to shape the art scene with her visionary leadership.

43. Eva Livijn, curator, collector and art advisor at Eva Livijn Art Space

The ray of sunshine in Sweden’s art world and a rebellious salon hostess, she has transformed her Östermalm apartment into one of the city’s most exciting gallery spaces. The door is open to all—at least as long as one is interested in experiencing art—and here she has presented acclaimed exhibitions featuring Nathalie Djurberg & Hans Berg, as well as Rock My Soul II—a powerful collection of works by female and non-binary artists from the African diaspora, curated by Sir Isaac Julien. Stepping into her home is like attending a vernissage in a Wes Anderson film: unexpected, elegant, and with a touch of eccentric charm. With her fearless curatorial style and ability to create intimate art experiences, Livijn has become a central figure in contemporary art in Stockholm.

44. Eleonora Fors Szuba, director, Stockholm Konst

As the new director of Stockholm Konst, Eleonora Fors Szuba has taken on the task of bringing colour, form, and a sense of future optimism to the city’s public spaces. With a background as a curator and head of art in Västra Götaland, she possesses both a refined instinct and a keen eye for how art can transform our everyday lives. She manages everything from the one percent rule to the care of the city’s 30,000 artworks – ensuring that Stockholm not only grows, but grows beautifully. With art in her blood and vision in her gaze, she makes room for the unexpected in the public sphere.

45. Erika Hellman, collector and CEO of Gullringsbo Egendomar

Erika Hellman is one of Sweden’s most influential and trendsetting art collectors. Through Gullringsbo Egendomar, where she serves as CEO, she has built an internationally oriented collection featuring works by artists such as Klara Lidén, Nathalie Djurberg & Hans Berg, Yngve Holen, and Gina Beavers. Hellman has also been instrumental in creating artistic meeting places, including collaborations with gallerist Carl Kostyál, which led to exhibitions such as Malmö Sessions and Hospitalet Stockholm, where contemporary art will be presented in a historic 2,000-square-metre space.

46. Martin Lilja & Amy Giunta, gallery owners of Loyal Gallery

Since its inception in 2005, the gallery has been a catalyst for contemporary art in Stockholm, with a distinct international character. Founders Amy Giunta and Martin Lilja have established a platform that introduces both emerging and established artists from the US and other parts of the world to the Nordic audience. Through exhibitions such as El Royale III and collaborations with artists like Katherine Bernhardt and Eddie Martinez, the gallery has created a dynamic dialogue between the Scandinavian and global art scenes. Rumours are now circulating that they are leaving Stockholm for London, but we are confident that Loyal Gallery will continue to be a central force in shaping and enriching Sweden’s art landscape with international influences.

47. Bo Nilsson, director of Artipelag

Bo Nilsson is the art world’s equivalent of a conductor, uniting the classical with the contemporary in a harmonious symphony. As museum director at Artipelag since its inception, he has created a space where art and nature interact in perfect balance. With a background as curator at Moderna Museet, director of Rooseum and Liljevalchs, as well as experience from Kunsthal Charlottenborg in Copenhagen, Nilsson has an impressive track record as a curator and art historian. Under his leadership, Artipelag has presented exhibitions such as Inside Out Outside In on Piero Fornasetti, where, after more than 30 years of studying Fornasetti’s work, Nilsson discovered new perspectives through interpretations by contemporary artists. His ability to create exhibitions that appeal both to art connoisseurs and curious visitors makes him a central figure in Swedish art life.

48. Carl Larsson, art advisor

Carl is a third-generation art dealer who traded Stockholm for Los Angeles. With over a decade in the industry, he has helped tech billionaires and music icons build contemporary art collections featuring works by, among others, Helen Frankenthaler, Andy Warhol, and Anish Kapoor. Through the platform The Art Reporter and exhibitions such as New Boundaries at Invisible Dynamics, he highlights Los Angeles’ most exciting young artists and creates bridges between Scandinavian aesthetics and Californian edge. Carl Larsson is the cosmopolitan chameleon of the art world – equally at home in a studio in Joshua Tree as at a VIP fair in Basel.

49. Saskia Neuman, gallery owner

After working at international institutions such as Serpentine Gallery in London, KW Institute for Contemporary Art in Berlin, and the Venice Biennale, and being responsible for Market Art Fair, she founded Saskia Neuman Gallery in Stockholm. The gallery focuses on representing Nordic and international artists at an early stage in their careers. In addition to her work as a gallerist, Neuman is an active writer and has contributed to publications such as Vogue Scandinavia, Scandinavian MIND, and Artlover.

50. Karolina Modig, journalist

Karolina Modig is the art world’s own educator with a sharp pen and warm tone. As a journalist, editor, and author, she has made it her mission to demystify art and make it accessible to everyone—regardless of budget or background. Her books The Value of Art and Hang Art Low are as much guides as love letters to art, where she encourages readers to trust their own taste and dare to hang art where it feels right. Through the platform Art Notes, she continues to highlight art, design, and creativity with an inclusive perspective. Modig is not just a voice in the art debate—she is the megaphone that encourages more people to listen and participate.

51. Sigrid Sandström, artist

Sigrid Sandström is one of Sweden’s most influential artists, known for her painting where the idea of landscape meets abstract intuition. She has exhibited at institutions such as Moderna Museet, Bonniers Konsthall, and internationally at one of the world’s leading galleries, Galerie Perrotin, as well as galleries in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Los Angeles. As a professor of painting in Helsinki and former teacher at the Royal Institute of Art, she has shaped new generations of artists with both sharpness and curiosity. She is also co-editor of publications such as Material Matters, reflecting her role as both artist and intellectual force in the field. Sandström moves seamlessly between practice and theory—and leaves traces in every brushstroke.

The Art Controversy of the Year:

A fierce power struggle shook the foundation managing Hilma af Klint’s artistic legacy during the year. The foundation’s chairman, Erik af Klint—great-great-grandchild of the artist—attempted to halt public exhibitions and opposed collaborations with international galleries, aiming to restrict access to the art for “spiritual seekers.”

Other board members, connected to the Anthroposophical Society, dismissed his interpretation and continued working to spread the works globally. The conflict led to legal proceedings where Erik sought to remove parts of the board—but the Stockholm District Court rejected his request in April.

Meanwhile, new projects were launched to digitise af Klint’s art, and her works were exhibited at major museums worldwide. However, the conflict remains unresolved, with a final legal review expected later this year. The question of who truly best manages the artist’s spiritual vision thus remains open—and divisive.

The Art Gossip of the Year:

One of the most talked-about revelations of the year was a confession by an art thief on SVT’s Uppdrag granskning, admitting how he had for years stolen objects from public spaces—and sold them to individuals within the Swedish cultural and antiques scene without suspicion.

Fountains, urns, and furniture in Swedish Grace style had been taken from cinemas, cemeteries, and care homes. A particularly notable urn, designed by Eric Grate, had been “borrowed” from a care home in Jönköping—and was later found in the garden of a private villa in Dalarö. The urn was marketed with a fabricated backstory and sold to a wealthy buyer, who, following the investigation, chose to return the object.

The report Konsttjuven traced several of the items and questioned the industry’s silence. “My feeling is that it has generally been accepted,” said the thief, who believed the thefts were justified by the buyers’ ignorance—or indifference. Several criminal investigations were launched, and the art world was forced to confront its own complacency regarding stolen cultural property.

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