Photo credit: Fredrik Åkum
Artist Fredrik Åkum is the 2020 recipient of the Beckers Art Award. Fredrik was born in 1987 and is based in Gothenburg, where he also graduated from the Valand Academy in 2013.
Fredrik Åkum is awarded Beckers Art Award 2020 because of his ability to make us understand that there is so much more in the beauty of painting.
"Fredrik Åkum certainly has nerve when it comes to his colours and brushwork. Carefully laid cloth on the studio floor becomes a stage for the painted dance of acrylics over the surface of the cloth. The impatient rhythms of colour emerge almost manically with repetitions, variations, and gaps – an intricate interaction between big and small.”, states Mårten Castenfors on behalf of the jury, which also includes Jenny Lindén Urnes and Magnus Jensner.
Åkum’s artistry has its foundation in painting. In the painting process, the focus is kept on repetition, distortion, delineation and different methods to reach abstractions within the figurative.
Fredrik’s reaction to receiving the award was happiness and excitement: “It feels incredibly good. I am very happy about the fine statement from the jury and to put together such an extensive exhibition at Färgfabriken is amazing.".
Fredrik Åkum’s work process always looks different. “I suppose I am a little afraid of getting too many routines, even though it would certainly be good for me.”, he says.
Becker's Art Award has during more than thirty years identified numerous young talents on the verge of breakthrough. Some of today’s leading contemporary artists in Sweden are among the recipients. It was established in 1987 and in addition to the 200.000 SEK grant it includes a solo exhibition at Färgfabriken art exhibition hall in Stockholm and at Höganäs Museum in Skåne.
The award reflects Lindengruppen’s and its owner’s commitment to art. Art and business are two different aspects of human life, and via the expression of art we are guided in understanding the human condition and to fulfilling a meaningful role in society.
The Beckers Art Award 2020 exhibition with Fredrik Åkum will be open from January 25 – March 15 at Färgfabriken in Stockholm, and at Höganäs Museum from April 4 – May 17, 2020.
Read more at Färgfabriken - Beckers Art Award
