Jim Thorell’s work evokes the uncanniness and fantasy of dreams. Caught in a dialogue between reality and subconscious expression, his paintings are a repetition of his minds workings, teeming with jubilant and comical renderings. Inspired by other paintings from diverse periods of history, his expressionistic and vibrant compositions often manifest different art movements, uniting them to inform his own vivid language and giving to them a new and unique reality.
Seashells on the Seashore presents a selection of Thorell’s recent paintings and specially features a site-specific mural by the artist.
Jim Thorell (b.1981) was born in Stockholm, Sweden where he currently lives and works. Between the years 2002 – 2010 he studied art in various institutions in Sweden and also internationally at the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna under Professor Daniel Richter, the Kanazawa University in Japan and the Vietnam University of Fine Arts in Hanoi. Since completing his MFA at the Valand Academy in Gothenburg in 2010, Thorell’s work has been exhibited in solo and group shows around Europe and the United States. Often inspired by other paintings from diverse periods of history, his expressionistic and dreamlike compositions emanate creative energy, alive with fantastical creatures and vegetation, whimsical shapes and colours. Recent solo exhibitions include The Sweet Heart at LOYAL, Stockholm and 7 Paintings at S|2, New York.