Wåhlstrand by window
Parasol unit presents a major exhibition of works by two of Sweden’s leading contemporary artists, Cecilia Edefalk and Gunnel Wåhlstrand from 23rd November 2011 to 12th February 2012.
Cecilia Edefalk uses traditional methods of oil and tempera in her paintings, which are executed on small canvases. She often places her work in carefully choreographed arrangements, using mirror effects, displaying paintings at 90-degree angles or turning canvasses upside-down, which lends a quality of performance to her shows.
Gunnel Wåhlstrand uses a meticulous technique, painting with only black ink and water to create photo-realistic drawings on large sheets of paper. Her work is based on photographs found in her family album of her father’s early childhood in Sweden. These images present deeply personal scenes of family life, given a haunting resonance as imposing, monochromatic drawings of an era frozen in time. The precise and demanding work of depicting this archive allows Wåhlstrand to physically and psychologically connect to her father who died when she was one year old.
Cecilia Edefalk (1954–) lives and works in Stockholm. Among her solo exhibitions are: Cecilia Edefalk, Moderna Museet, Stockholm, Sweden, 1999; and Focus: Cecilia Edefalk, Art Institute, Chicago, USA, 2006.
Gunnel Wåhlstrand (1974–) lives and works in Stockholm. Following her acclaimed graduation exhibition at the Royal University College of Fine Arts, Stockholm, in 2003, her work has featured in numerous exhibitions in Europe and overseas. Recent shows include: Nordic-by-New York, ASF Scandinavia House, New York, USA, 2011; Gunnel Wåhlstrand, Andréhn-Schiptjenko, Stockholm, Sweden, 2009; and Gunnel Wåhlstrand: Paintings from the Collection, Magasin 3, Stockholm, Sweden, 2006.
Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art 14 Wharf Road, London, N1 7RW
