Carl Johan De Geer: A Study in X
April 9 – April 30, 2026
Opening reception Thursday, April 9, 5:00–7:00 PM
Galleri Helle Knudsen, Hantverkargatan 18-20, Stockholm
Galleri Helle Knudsen is pleased to present Carl Johan De Geer’s solo exhibition En studie i X (A Study in X). In the exhibition, De Geer interprets works by Sven X:et Erixson, an artist who has inspired him since his youth. In the 1950s, De Geer first encountered X:et’s artistry when he saw Carmen, with scenography by X:et. He describes this encounter as ‘a source of stylizations in my mind’. A few years later, he saw the opera Aniara by Karl-Birger Blomdahl, with text by Harry Martinson. X:et’s scenography and costumes again made a strong impression on him. The new exhibition presents free interpretations and tributes to works such as Nattåget (The Night Train), Romantik (Romance), Ensam (Alone), Dödsfällan (The Death Trap), and En spelmans jordafärd (A Fiddler’s Earthly Journey).
X:et’s paintings – they fill me with a desire to work. I want to delve into them, partake in his capriciousness, let my brushes dance around in them. And then – add something. You can see what it is, a wistful commentary on life. – Carl Johan De Geer, March 2026
A Study in X is Carl Johan De Geer’s second solo exhibition at Galleri Helle Knudsen, following ÄLG (MOOSE) shown in 2022. Other major solo exhibitions from 2013 onward include:
• Vi hade fel (We Were Wrong) (2013–2014) – shown at Prins Eugen’s Waldemarsudde, Värmland Museum in Karlstad, and the Emigrants’ House in Växjö.
• Ledtrådar (Clues) (2014–2017) – shown at Färgfabriken in Stockholm, Dunker Culture House in Helsingborg, Skellefteå Art Gallery, Hälsingland Museum in Hudiksvall, and Eskilstuna Art Museum.
• Det stora missförståndet (The Great Misunderstanding) (2019–2022) – shown at Bildmuseet in Umeå, Kulturen in Lund, and Thiel Gallery in Stockholm.
• Släkten och slavarna (The Family and the Slaves) (2018–2025) – shown at Norrköping Art Museum, Kalmar Art Museum, Södertälje Art Gallery, Kristinehamn Art Museum, Stockholm City Museum, and the Emigrants’ House in Växjö.
Carl Johan De Geer’s works are represented at: Moderna Museet and Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Norrköping Art Museum, Gothenburg Art Museum, Kalmar Art Museum, Borås Art Museum, Textile Museum in Borås, Design Archive in Pukeberg, Kulturen in Lund, Åberg Museum in Bålsta, the Swedish Arts Council, Prins Eugen’s Waldemarsudde, Västerås County Museum, and Eskilstuna Art Museum.
