Karin Wikström was born in 1959 in Östersund, Sweden. She studied at KV Art School (1987–1988), Hovedskous Painting School (1988–1990), and the Valand Academy of Fine Arts (1990–1995). She lives and works in Gothenburg.
Wikström’s painting is characterized by a personal visual language where everyday details are transformed into poetic, sometimes dreamlike scenes. She often works in smaller formats and allows image and text to interact, even though her works are typically untitled—inviting the viewer to interpret freely without guidance. Her art features anthropomorphic animals or mythical creatures that seem to act as alter egos, embodying emotions such as vulnerability, desire, and longing. Serious themes are often framed playfully, marked by subtle humor and a kind of quiet melancholy.
Solo exhibitions (selection)
Liljevalchs+, Stockholm (2022)
Kungsbacka Art Hall, Kungsbacka (2022)
Krognoshuset, Lund (2019)
Gallery Hammarén, Gothenburg (2021, 2018)
Gallery ALP/Peter Bergman, Stockholm (2010)
Saltarvet, Fiskebäckskil (2003)
Wetterling Gallery, Stockholm (1997)
Gothenburg Museum of Art (1996)
Bror Hjort's House, Uppsala (1995)
Group exhibitions (selection)
Dalsland Art Museum 30 years (2025)
Färgfabriken, Beckers 30th anniversary exhibition (2017)
Valand Revisited, Strandverket Art Hall, Marstrand (2016)
Carnegie Art Award, Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Stockholm (2008)
Carnegie Art Award, Kunsthalle, Helsinki (2000)
Alone Together, Liljevalchs Art Hall, Stockholm (1996)
Represented (selection)
Moderna Museet, Stockholm
Gothenburg Museum of Art
Malmö Art Museum
Borås Art Museum
Nordic Watercolour Museum, Skärhamn
Swedish Arts Council, Stockholm
