Bror Hjorth

Bror Hjorth (1894-1968) is one of the most important and appreciated artists of the 20th century in Sweden. He grew up in Dalboda in Björklinge parish a few kilometres north of Uppsala. He received an international education: 1919-1920 in Copenhagen, 1921-1925 in Paris, as a student of the famous sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, who in turn was a student of Auguste Rodin. Bror Hjorth remained in Paris throughout the 1920s and only returned to Sweden in 1930. Bror Hjorth became a painter as much as a sculptor. He was greatly influenced by Bourdelle and Rodin, but he was also influenced and inspired by cubism, folk art and African sculpture. Bror Hjorth was particularly interested in folk music, which reflects his world of motifs. The combination of modernism and folk music produces a unique artistic expression. With his robust forms and strong colours, his art conveys the joy of life.