artist: Hjalmar Ekberg (Swedish 1924-1980)
medium: oil on panel
dimensions: 72 x 43 cm framed size (approx)
signed and dated 59
* note - there is a small area of a paint chip, centre top of the painting, but overall this presents very nicely.
presented in a new off white painted timber frame - photos to follow shortly
AU $1295 (approx US $835 / 740 EUROS / 121,000 yen / 625 GBP - for exact current conversion visit xe.com)
artist biography
Hjalmar Wilhelm Ekberg was a Swedish sculptor and painter known for his expressive public artworks in bronze, wood, and metal. Born in 1924 in Asarum, Ekberg was largely self-taught, transitioning from his early work at the renowned fishing equipment manufacturer ABU (now ABU Garcia) in Blekinge to a full-time artistic practice.
Rooted in a strong connection to everyday life, history, and movement, Ekberg’s work frequently explored communal themes. His bronze relief depicting the history of fishing, installed at the ABU factory in Svängsta, reflects both his personal background and his commitment to public art.
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Ekberg created numerous sculptures and reliefs for public spaces across Sweden, including "Ball Game" (1965, Svängsta), "The Dance" (1968, Borås), "Street Musicians" (1970, Malmö), and the altar cabinet and wooden sculpture "Maria" (1973 and 1978) for Hjällbo Church in Gothenburg.
In recognition of his contributions to regional culture, Ekberg was named a cultural scholar in Nybro Municipality in 1973. His work continues to be celebrated posthumously and is held in public collections, including the Kalmar Art Museum.
Ekberg passed away in Nybro in 1980.