Lars Widenfalk – Myth with Glass and Stone
Key Points
Lars Widenfalk, born in 1954 in Sveg, Sweden // Studied Archaeology and Art History at Uppsala University, Sweden // 1982–85 Norwegian National Academy of Fine Arts, Oslo, Norway // Special exhibitions (selection): 1992 World Exhibition, Sevilla ´92, Spain // 2011 European Union Sculptors goes to China. Terracotta Army related Exh. 8 museums, China
Collections (selection)
Statens Konstråd/State Art Council // Riksdagshuset/House of Parlament // Sundsvalls Museum // Göteborgs Konstmuseum/Art museum (Sweden ) // Norsk Kulturråd/Norwegian Arts Council // Samtidsmuseet/ Contemporary Modern Museum (Norway) // Glasmuseum Ernsting Stiftung Alter Hof Herding, Coesfeld // Glasmuseum Achilles-Stiftung, Hamburg (Germany)
Lars Widenfalk, is a glass artist and sculptor celebrated for revitalizing figurative expression in Nordic sculpture. He studied archaeology and art history at Uppsala University and sculpture at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts. Widenfalk’s artistic exploration includes various materials such as bronze, stone and glass, often in collaboration with his wife, Czech glass sculptor Alena Matějka.
His work reflects a deep fascination with ancient myths and rituals, leading to sculptures that evoke timelessness and memory. Widenfalk often creates fragmented forms that invite personal interpretation, resembling sacred artifacts unearthed from history. His approach is almost archaeological, revealing what lies beneath the stone’s surface. This interplay between materials emphasizes the transient nature of memory, with glass providing a sense of lightness and transparency that contrasts with the heaviness of stone.
Widenfalk’s sculptures not only reflect the passage of time but also encourage viewers to engage in introspection, serving as mirrors that reveal both individual and collective experiences. His innovative techniques and explorations have solidified his position as a key figure in contemporary Nordic art.
