Viktor Mattsson’s paintings and drawings unfold in a surrealist realm, where distorted, highly expressive figures convey both tension and vulnerability. Drawing on archetypal characters embedded in cultural consciousness—such as devils, clowns, and cowboys—his work constructs narratives that explore the enduring conflict between good and evil, often placing troubled figures in repetitive, minimalistic settings where moments of melancholy, indulgence, and violence unfold. His practice engages with themes rooted in Western art historical iconography, reinterpreting moral struggles and universal human dilemmas. The devil recurs as a symbol of malevolence, the cowboy embodies ideals of heroism, and the clown reflects the ephemeral and mutable nature of humour. Occasional motifs, like delicate butterflies, introduce moments of serenity and beauty, contrasting with the darker emotional currents of his compositions. By juxtaposing opposing emotions—joy and sorrow, humour and melancholy, aggression and fragility—Mattsson crafts visual narratives that probe the complexity of human experience. His work invites reflection on the contradictions inherent in life, revealing how vulnerability, resilience, and emotion coexist to define the richness of shared humanity. ...
Newchild was founded by Diego Castaño, Chandler Noah and Sarah Vanwelden in 2020 in Antwerp, Belgium. Newchild serves as a physical and digital platform for established and emerging artists whose practice is defined by conceptualism, narrative and an ambitious technical approach.
Newchild was created to cultivate cross-pollination and meaningful exchange, fostering a collaborative environment for artists to explore beyond their established modes of expression. It curates a regular programme of offbeat exhibitions, participates in art fairs globally and works in close collaboration with foundations and museums. ...
