Things are moving fast for native Stockholmian Harry Anderson. This fall he’s off to Copenhagen to join the ranks of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and tomorrow evening his solo exhibition entitled Vem Kommer Älska Mig Nu? Opens at Tranan in Stockholm. Seeing as how we knew nothing about Harry, we decided to change that and had a rather pleasant email correspondence touching on subjects like power tools and the awkward nature of easels.
VICE: So, who are you? Is Harry Anderson even your real name?
Harry Anderson: Harry Anderson is my name, but I’m still trying to figure out the answer to your first question.Fair enough, we’ll regroup. How did you get into art?
The thought of working with something creative has always appealed to me. I need a continuous outlet for my ideas and feelings. Painting, the kind of art I do now, was not an immediate choice but a requirement in an application for a school. That’s how I got into it.What inspires you?
The ladies and the results from various encounters with them. I also like artists such as Dick Bengtsson, Marina Abramović, Karin Mamma Andersson. It’s a very long list, really, but when I see, read or partake in their work I get an instant feeling of recognition and companionship.
From what I can see, you work a lot with cut outs?
That was by chance, mainly. I had made two portraits in one painting on an MDF board, and I only liked one of them, so I cut that one out of the painting. That portrait found itself without a setting, which created an effect.Must be cheaper than traditional canvases as well?
Yeah, canvases are expensive and a hassle to assemble onto a frame. I don’t have the patience for that. MDF boards can be found anywhere – in containers, on the street – you name it. Also, I hate easels, they are always in my way and I tend to trip over them. Stupid easels.Power tools do make things easier, huh?
Actually I almost cut off my index finger with a circular saw, and I really don’t like the sound they make, but that’s how I’ve chosen to work for now.Are there any other dogmas in your work at present time?
Since I spent a lot of time figuring out what to do and how to do it, I decided that the execution of the thought needed to be instant. Acrylics works perfect in this aspect, since it dries fast compared to oil.
Let’s talk a little bit about your exhibition. What is it about?
It’s called Vem Kommer Älska Mig Nu? (Who Will Love Me Now?). It’s the first time I use writing in the pieces and it comes from notes and pages from my diary. I have been hesitant, because it is a little daunting becoming that personal. It is easier to hide behind a painting where the spectator can choose more freely how to feel about it. Words are loaded and more readily become a reflection of my person, hence the title.Next step Copenhagen, ay?
Yes. I was born and raised in Stockholm and even though I love the city, we know each other by now and I take it for granted. Some of my romantic notions of the city have been lost and it’s time to move on. I have always been fascinated by Copenhagen and especially The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art. Art Academy. I set it as my goal two years ago, and I am extremely grateful to have been accepted.In the meantime, maybe you should consider getting a homepage or something?
Nah, I hate homepages that are not up to date, and the idea of starting up a homepage and keeping it updated is tricky because I have no computer. So, no homepage.
If you fancy a live peek at Harry's work, all the info about his exhibition can be found here
Harry Anderson: Harry Anderson is my name, but I’m still trying to figure out the answer to your first question.
Advertisement
The thought of working with something creative has always appealed to me. I need a continuous outlet for my ideas and feelings. Painting, the kind of art I do now, was not an immediate choice but a requirement in an application for a school. That’s how I got into it.What inspires you?
The ladies and the results from various encounters with them. I also like artists such as Dick Bengtsson, Marina Abramović, Karin Mamma Andersson. It’s a very long list, really, but when I see, read or partake in their work I get an instant feeling of recognition and companionship.
That was by chance, mainly. I had made two portraits in one painting on an MDF board, and I only liked one of them, so I cut that one out of the painting. That portrait found itself without a setting, which created an effect.Must be cheaper than traditional canvases as well?
Yeah, canvases are expensive and a hassle to assemble onto a frame. I don’t have the patience for that. MDF boards can be found anywhere – in containers, on the street – you name it. Also, I hate easels, they are always in my way and I tend to trip over them. Stupid easels.Power tools do make things easier, huh?
Actually I almost cut off my index finger with a circular saw, and I really don’t like the sound they make, but that’s how I’ve chosen to work for now.
Advertisement
Since I spent a lot of time figuring out what to do and how to do it, I decided that the execution of the thought needed to be instant. Acrylics works perfect in this aspect, since it dries fast compared to oil.
It’s called Vem Kommer Älska Mig Nu? (Who Will Love Me Now?). It’s the first time I use writing in the pieces and it comes from notes and pages from my diary. I have been hesitant, because it is a little daunting becoming that personal. It is easier to hide behind a painting where the spectator can choose more freely how to feel about it. Words are loaded and more readily become a reflection of my person, hence the title.Next step Copenhagen, ay?
Yes. I was born and raised in Stockholm and even though I love the city, we know each other by now and I take it for granted. Some of my romantic notions of the city have been lost and it’s time to move on. I have always been fascinated by Copenhagen and especially The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art. Art Academy. I set it as my goal two years ago, and I am extremely grateful to have been accepted.In the meantime, maybe you should consider getting a homepage or something?
Nah, I hate homepages that are not up to date, and the idea of starting up a homepage and keeping it updated is tricky because I have no computer. So, no homepage.