Biography
KG Nilson
KG Nilson, born in Falun in 1942, is a Swedish painter and printmaker. Colour and colour theory are central to his practice.
He studied at Valand Art School in Gothenburg in 1961, Atelier 17 in Paris in 1962 and the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm from 1963 to 1968. In parallel, he studied aesthetics, art and literature at Uppsala University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1966. As an educator, KG Nilson taught colour theory at Konstfack from 1972 to 1983 and then served as professor of graphic art at the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm from 1983 to 1993. He is now professor emeritus. His own colour theory was first published as Färglära in 1982; Om färg followed in 2018.
His subjects have shifted between maps, geometric patterns, cities and landscapes with farmland, waterways and roads. Across painting, printmaking and sculpture, he returns to how colours interact and create structure, rhythm, movement and space.
The polygonal house with its pointed roof is one of his most distinctive visual motifs. He found its model on a mining map from 1650. The form has since taken on shifting meanings, from a dwelling and the building of a community to a headquarters, military base or an entire city.
The Swedish Parliament · 1998
The ballot box and lot-drawing box
Among KG Nilson’s best-known public commissions are the ballot box and lot-drawing box for the Swedish Parliament, completed in 1998. The lot-drawing box stands on the Speaker’s table and is used when a tied vote must be decided by drawing lots. It is made from fifteen types of wood. The ballot box is used for secret ballots, including the election of the Speaker. Its imagery depicts land, water and roads joined by a bridge as a symbol of agreement, while the apple on its lid refers to the fruit of knowledge.
Read the Parliament’s description ↗
Selected solo exhibitions
2026
- Prints and original paintings, Ramhuset, Falun
2023
- Göteborg Memories, paintings and prints, Galleri Backlund, Gothenburg
2022
- Corona, paintings, Studio ABC Art Gallery, Vällingby
2020
- Malmö Konsthall, Mellanrummet
2017
- Hourglasses, Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm
2016
- Nagoya University of Arts, Japan
- Galleri Strömbom, Uppsala
- Stockholm Images, Bästekille Konsthall, Kivik
2015
- Lusthuset, new paintings, Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm
2014
- Maps, Cities, Battles, Sven-Harry’s Art Museum, Stockholm
2012
- Konstnärshuset, Stockholm
- Konstforum, Norrköping
- Retrospective, Dalarna Museum, Falun
- Galleri Hedenius, Stockholm
- Museum of Art Lithography, Tidaholm
2011
- Karlskrona Art Gallery
- Norrtälje Art Gallery
- Grafikens Hus, Mariefred
- Bästekille Art Gallery
2010
- The Hourglasses, new paintings, Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm
- Galleri Gullmarn, Skredsvik, with Ann Makander
- Ljungberg Museum, Ljungby, with Ann Makander
- Grafik i Väst, Gothenburg
Show 132 exhibitions before 2010
2009
- Höganäs Museum
- Houses and Gardens, Brösarp Art Gallery
- Gerlesborg School of Fine Art, Bohuslän
- Summer exhibition, Lövstabruk
2008
- Dream and Reality, Galerie Leger, Malmö
- New York, USA
2007
- New paintings, Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm
- Konsthallen Valfisken, Simrishamn
- Retrospective of graphic art, Galerie Max, Ystad
2006
- Tidaholm Art Gallery
- Landskrona Art Gallery
- Åmell Gallery, London
- Anfanger, Dansens Hus, Stockholm
- Bästekille Art Gallery, Kivik
2005
- Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Stockholm
- New paintings, Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm
2004
- Konstens Hus, Luleå
- Grafiska Sällskapet Gallery, Stockholm
- Galleri Astley, Uttersberg
- Galleri SE, Falun
- BOMBAT — prints from six decades, Grafiska Sällskapet gallery, Stockholm
2003
- Konsthallen i Hishult
- Anfanger, Galerie Leger, Malmö
- Galerie Emilia Suciu, Ettlingen, Germany
- Skövde Art Museum
2002
- Växjö Art Gallery
- Galerie Leger, Malmö
- Nordic Watercolour Museum, Skärhamn
- Norreport, Halmstad
- Tomelilla Art Gallery
- Pelles Lusthus, Nyköping
- Västerås Art Museum
2001
- Gothenburg Art Association
- Ahlbergshallen, Östersund
- Första galleriet, Helsingborg
2000
- Lund Art Gallery
- Galleri Magnus Åklundh, Lund
- Enköping Art Gallery
- Wetterling Gallery, Stockholm
- Galerie Emilia Suciu, Ettlingen, Germany
- Konstfrämjandet, Norrköping, with Ann Makander
1999
- Galleri Bergström, Jönköping
- Retrospective, Liljevalchs Konsthall, Stockholm
- Wetterling Gallery, Stockholm
1998
- Museum of the History of the City of Łódź, Poland
- Konsthallen i Hishult
- Galleri Mellby skola, Kivik
- Town Hall, Brande, Denmark
- Galleri Bild & Form, Karlskrona, with Ann Makander
- Galleri Gullmarn, Skredsvik, with Ann Makander
1997
- Galerie Konstruktiv Tendens, Stockholm
- Galleri Magnus Åklundh, Lund
- Hamnmagasinet, Varberg
- Galleri Danielson, Borgholm
- Galleri Edward, Trelleborg
1996
- Galleri Bergman, Karlstad
- Galerie Miguel de Augustin, Helsingborg
- Västervik Art Association
- Galleri Smedhamre, Uppsala
1995
- Gouaches, Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm
- Drantgården, Tällberg
- Härja Rectory
- Stadsgalleriet, Halmstad
- Smålands konstarkiv, Värnamo, with Ann Makander
- Kreiskrankenhaus, Pinneberg, Germany
1994
- Paintings, Galerie Konstruktiv Tendens, Stockholm
- Graphic art, Galleri Bergman, Stockholm
- Paintings, Galerie Leger, Malmö
- Graphic art, Galleri Bergman, Malmö
- Galerie Altes Rathaus, Inzlingen, Germany
- Landskrona Art Gallery, with Ulla Viotti
- Museum of Sketches, Lund, with Christina Stenström
1993
- Galleri Öhman, Ravlunda
- Galleri Gullmarn, Skredsvik
- Galleri 29, Växjö
- Konservkompaniet, Nyköping
1992
- Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm
- Katrineholm Art Gallery
- Astley Gallery, Seattle, USA
- Galleri 1, Gothenburg
- Mine Museum, Falun
1991
- Bildmuseet, Umeå
- Ystad Art Museum
- Ersgard Gallery, Santa Monica, USA
- Galerie Leger, Brussels, Belgium
- Galleri Astley, Uttersberg
- Gerlesborg School, Hamburgsund
- Galleri Viktor, Djursholm, with Eric H. Olson
1990
- Dalarna Museum, Falun
- Thiel Gallery, Stockholm
1989
- Galerie Leger, Malmö
- Nordic Council of Ministers, Copenhagen
1988
- Galleri Sankt Olof, Norrköping, followed by a travelling exhibition to Skellefteå, Örnsköldsvik and Gävle, with Ann Makander
1987
- Galerie Konstruktiv Tendens, Stockholm
- Saga Gallery, London
- Galleri 1, Gothenburg
1986
- Galleri Ferm, Malmö
- Konstfrämjandet, Örebro
1985
- Konstnärshuset, Stockholm
- Galeri Artek, Helsinki
- City Museum, Östersund
- Galleri EKG, Borlänge
1984
- Galleri 1, Gothenburg
- Graphic art with Ulf Gripenholm, libraries in Lidingö and Åkersberga
1983
- Konsthörnan, Umeå
- Graphic art with Josef Albers, Galleri Engström, Stockholm
- Norrköping Art Museum
1982
- Galleri Octopus, Uppsala
- Galleri Engström, Stockholm
- Galleri Sankt Olof, Norrköping, with Michael Kidner
1981
- Jakobsberg Art Gallery, Järfälla
- Galleri Ferm, Malmö
1980
- Centre Culturel Suédois, Paris
- Galleri 1, Gothenburg
1979
- Galleri Engström, Stockholm
- Konstnärshuset, Stockholm
1978
- Rosenthal, Selb, West Germany, with Eric H. Olson
1977
- Galerie Nordenhake, Malmö
1976
- Galerie Burén, Stockholm
1975
- Galerie Belle, Västerås; travelling exhibition shown in Gävle, Umeå, Falun, Jönköping, Varberg, Linköping, Solna, Åmål and Lund
1974
- Galerie Burén, Stockholm
1972
- Norrköping Art Museum
1971
- Uppsala Art Gallery
1970
- Galerie Aronowitsch, Stockholm
- Stora Kopparberg Museum, Falun
- Galleri Löwendahl, Uppsala
1969
- Galleri Mejan, Stockholm
1968
- Invited to the Dalarna Artists’ Autumn Exhibition in Falun with Mikael Söderlundh
1967
- Galerie Aronowitsch, Stockholm
- Galleri Löwendahl, Uppsala
1965
- Västmanlands-Dala Nation, Uppsala
1962
- Dalarna Museum, Falun
Selected group exhibitions
2024
- Print Triennial XVII, Uppsala Art Museum, 18 May–15 September
2017
- Mixed Media, Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm
- With Bo Gånarp, Grafiska Sällskapet, Stockholm, 14 January–1 February
2014
- Spring Salon, Liljevalchs Konsthall, Stockholm
2012
- The City, Grafiska Sällskapet, Stockholm
2011
- Konstruktiv Tendens, Grafikens Hus, Mariefred
- Couples in Art, Konstgalleriet, Hälleforsnäs
2010
- Grafiska Sällskapet centenary exhibition, Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Stockholm
Show 63 exhibitions before 2010
2008
- On Canvas, Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm
- Bästekille Art Gallery, Kivik, with Ulla Buhre and Ann Makander
- Winter exhibition, Konstnärshuset, Stockholm
2007
- Four Contemporary Artists, Bästekille Konsthall, Kivik
- The Gallery’s Artists, Galleri Helle, Stockholm
2006
- Maps, National Library of Sweden, Stockholm
- Only Colour, Gothenburg Museum of Art
- The Sea, Galleri Oijens
2005
- Bornholm Art Museum, Denmark
1999
- Falu Red, The Mining Museum, Falun
- Art from Dalarna, Kimberley, South Africa
- Faith in the Future, Regional Museum, Kristianstad
1998
- Art Concret — Constructivism — Plane Geometry, Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm
- Pro Baltica, Toruń, Poland
- Colour, Konstnärshuset, Stockholm
1997
- Österlen in Our Hearts, Tjörnedalagården, Baskemölla
- Tomte Exhibition, Tjörnedalagården, Baskemölla
1995
- Avesta Art 1995
- Creations, exhibitions in churches in Västergötland
- Hishult Art Gallery
1993
- Exhibitions with Gärsnäs Möbler in Tokyo, Osaka and Kobe, Japan
1992
- Ninth Print Triennial, Tallinn, Estonia
- The Emperor’s New Clothes, Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde, Stockholm
- The table The River, Expo ’92, Seville, Spain
1991
- 7 Contemporary Swedes, Galerie Leger, Brussels, Belgium
1990
- With Tommy Mäkelä, Hjørring Art Museum, Denmark
1989
- With Dick Bengtsson and P O Ultvedt, Galerie Moderne, Stockholm
1988
- Space and Form, Kulturmagasinet, Sundsvall
- Print exhibition, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Japan
- The Falun Mine in Art, Dalarna Museum, Falun
- The House, Konstcentrum, Gävle
- Schwedenausstellung, Berenberg Bank, Hamburg, West Germany
1987
- Nordic Print Exhibition, travelling exhibition
- Efterårsudstillingen, Charlottenborg, Copenhagen
- Professors and Students, Dalarna Museum, Falun
1986
- The Gerlesborg Circle, travelling exhibition
1984
- Geometric Abstraction, Galerie Konstruktiv Tendens, Stockholm
1982
- Music, Norrköping Art Museum
- Concrete Overview, Swedish Travelling Exhibitions
1981
- Six Concrete Artists, Hässelby Castle, Stockholm
- Concrete Art II, Galleri Engström, Stockholm
- Konsekvens — Homage to Olle Bertling, Liljevalchs Konsthall, Stockholm
1980
- Concrete Art, Galleri Engström, Stockholm
1978
- Constructivists, Kulturhuset, Stockholm
1977
- Arte sueco contemporáneo, Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City
1976
- Hommage à Herbin, French Institute, Stockholm
- Eye to Eye, Nordic Art Association travelling exhibition in Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Reykjavík
1973
- New Swedish Images, Amos Anderson Art Museum, Helsinki
- See You, travelling print exhibition
- Gardens, Swedish Travelling Exhibitions
- Suédois en France, French Institute, Stockholm
1971
- Swedish–French Encounter, Galerie Heland, Stockholm
1969
- The World of Images, Sveagalleriet, Stockholm
- Time Is Short, Sveagalleriet, Stockholm
1968
- Cool, Skånska konstmuseum, Lund
- Young Draughtsmen, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
1966
- Young Generation 1966, Stockholm
1965
- Print Triennial, Liljevalchs Konsthall, Stockholm
- The City, Galleri Karlsson, Stockholm
1964
- Art suédois contemporain, Musée Galliera, Paris
1963
- Spring Salon, Liljevalchs Konsthall, Stockholm
1961
- December Exhibition, Konsthallen, Gothenburg
1959
- Dalarna Artists’ Autumn Exhibition, Falun
Public commissions
2013
- Stone reliefs, Ångpanneföreningen building, Malmö
2004
- Façade work, Bergvreten School, Enköping
2003
- The Ladder, roundabout sculpture, Eskilstuna
2001
- Stone reliefs, Östergård School, Halmstad
1999
- Glass painting, mammography department, Danderyd Hospital
1991
- Colour Signals, glass window, Årsta postal terminal, Stockholm
- Five terrazzo entrance floors, Värpinge, Lund
1998
- The ballot box and lot-drawing box, Swedish Parliament, Stockholm — the box in fifteen types of wood and the ballot box depicting land, water, roads and a unifying bridge
1990
- Score in Blue, polychrome wood relief, Edsbacka, Sollentuna
1989
- The Dal River, glass window, Falun
1986
- The River, mural, Skellefteå Hospital
- Score in Red, mural, Sund School, Örnsköldsvik
1985
- Music Image, mural, Kristina School, Norrköping
1984
- Space Score, mural, Landvetter Airport
1983
- Murals, St Göran Hospital, Stockholm
1982
- Murals, County Administration Building, Falun
1981
- Glass window, S 1, Enköping
1980
- Glass window and enamel tower, Kolaräng School, Kallhäll
1976
- Map Image, mural, Dalhagen School, Husby
Education
1957–1960
- Learns copperplate printmaking with Einar Johnson, later Falu konstgrafiska verkstad
1961
- Valand School of Fine Art, Gothenburg
1962
- Atelier 17, Paris
1963–1968
- Royal Institute of Art, Stockholm
1966
- Degree in aesthetics, art and literature, Uppsala University
Teaching
1972–1983
- Teacher of colour theory, Konstfack, Stockholm
1983–1993
- Professor of graphic art, Royal Institute of Art, Stockholm
Publications
2018
- Om färg
2005
- Kartbild
2002
- Anfanger
1997 / 2004
- KG Nilsons färglära
1982
- Färglära
Public collections
- Moderna Museet, Stockholm
- Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
- Public Art Agency Sweden, Stockholm
- The Nordic Watercolour Museum, Skärhamn
- Amos Anderson Art Museum, Helsinki
- Borås Art Museum
- Dalarna Museum, Falun
- Gothenburg Museum of Art
- Jönköping County Museum
- Malmö Art Museum
- Norrköping Art Museum
- Sundsvall Museum
- Östergötland Museum, Linköping
- Beijer Art Collection
- Gerard Bonnier Collection
- Convector, Stockholm
- Muzeum Sztuki, Łódź, Poland
- Museum of Artistic Process and Public Art, Lund
- British Museum, London
- Kupferstich-Kabinett, Dresden, Germany
- Helsinki Art Museum, Finland
- Bildmuseet, Umeå, Sweden
- Gävle Museum, Sweden
- Kalmar Art Museum, Sweden
- Uppsala Art Museum, Sweden
- Ystad Art Museum, Sweden
- Musée du dessin et de l’estampe originale, Gravelines, France
- Museum in Toruń, Poland
- Museum für Konkrete Kunst, Ingolstadt, Germany
- Museum of the History of Łódź, Poland
- Stora Kopparberg and several private collections
Contact
Artwork enquiries
For questions about works, exhibitions or collaborations, please get in touch.
kg@bastekille.se