Artist statement
I am an artist that uses play and experimentation as a crucial tool. I would say that my curiosity is leading the way.
Colour is essential in my work. Often big, bold and contrasting. It can take some time to blend and mix colours I am happy with. My lines are sometimes bendy, wonky, disproportionate and I often leave marks along the way…not covering them up, but letting the imperfections shine through.
Sometimes the Scandinavian minimalist takes over and I create more quiet pieces. Some of my portraits are a good example, as I use bold, colourful lines and fill the face with thick, goooey, messy brush strokes, while I keep the background flat in one contrasting colour.
My painting style is physical, demanding and I get absorbed into a whirlwind. I can paint for days forgetting about time completely.
There is a word in Spanish - Duende, meaning a heightened state of emotion, expression and authenticity. I think it explains my creative process well.
I strive to be honest with my art. I wish my work will evoke beauty, harmony and also a sense of fun and wonder. That the viewer will see straight through, into my beating, passionate heart.
Bio
I am Lena Goodison, a Swedish contemporary visual artist that lives and works in Nottingham, UK. I create colourful, bold pieces, often human portraits, still life and cats that are superimposed, abstract and mystical.
Although I have always been creative since I was a child, I only started painting in 2018 and the main materials I like to use are acrylics and watercolour (sometimes mixed) on heavy paper, like watercolour, Khadi, or canvas/wooden boards.
My background in photography (having worked in editorial in Stockholm and also studied film making) helps me to create narratives with a cinematic aesthetic.
My inspiration comes from meeting with people, travels to places like North Africa, urban city landscapes and I also like to spend time in nature.. I look at Post-impressionist painters like Gaugain & Matisse, masters of fluidity and space. I admire the Swedish artist Hilma af Klint for her bravery and for being way before her time. Seeing her art in real life was a highlight.
Clients include;
IKEA, Caboodle Magazine, Hoxton Hotel, Soho House, artwork for EP covers (music) and private commissions both in UK and overseas.
I also have had national press coverage in several Interiour design magazines.
Selected exhibitions;
Swimming pools - Group show - Jealous Gallery, London, 2017
Surface Gallery - Group show - Studio artists, Nottingham, UK, 2019
International Postcard Exhibition -Surface Gallery - Nottingham, UK, 2019
StudioTwenty - Group Show - Nottingham, UK - 2019
That Art Gallery - covid project 'together / apart' was an OPen Call for an exhibition in their Gallery window, Bristol , UK 2020 (My artwork is now also included in their published book (Tangent Books)
Paxton & Glew, Brighton, Group Exhibition CATS, 2024
Paxton & Glew, Brighton, Group exhibition, Summer Show, 2025
The Drawing Room Gallery, Nottingham - “Tranquil Waters” , 2026