Sven-Arne Hökenström (1947-2025) - Genius Fool
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 Bidder 3722 | €160 | |
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| Bidder 3722 | €150 |
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Genius Fool by Sven-Arne Hökenström (1947–2025) is an original mixed‑media artwork in Abstract Expressionism, measuring 116 cm by 89 cm, signed, from Sweden, dating to the 2000s and sold by Galerie.
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Description from the seller
“Genius Fool” is one of the most important works by Sven-Arne Hökenström and embodies the pinnacle of his iconic style.
"Genius Fool" comes across as a garishly lit stage set of naive modernity: flat, solid primary colors, thick black outlines and exaggerated shapes recall a mix of street art, comics, and expressionist caricature.
The court jester-king with a gigantic nose and a lush crown is shown front-and-center, giving him an iconic, almost heraldic presence; at the same time, the ironic overstatement exposes the figure as ridiculous and vulnerable.
The painting style is spontaneous and gestural — visible brushstrokes, deliberately 'imperfect' proportions, an almost childlike simplification of hands, fabric, and face — through which the artist achieves a raw, emotional expression that oscillates between mockery, self-portrait, and social satire.
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About the Artist:
Sven-Arne „Höken“ Hökenström (1947–2025) was a Swedish artist from Stockholm, known as a pioneer of graffiti art in Sweden and as a former set painter at the Royal Theatre.
Born in a rough suburb like Aspudden, he developed a raw, expressive style that blends naive art with surreal, figurative elements and vibrant colors—often in mixed media such as acrylic or pastels.
His body of work, including “Genius Fool,” reflects a creative soul who turns theatricality and the everyday into feverish scenes; he died in 2025 in Norrtälje and left a legacy as a cultural icon of Stockholm.
“Genius Fool” is one of the most important works by Sven-Arne Hökenström and embodies the pinnacle of his iconic style.
"Genius Fool" comes across as a garishly lit stage set of naive modernity: flat, solid primary colors, thick black outlines and exaggerated shapes recall a mix of street art, comics, and expressionist caricature.
The court jester-king with a gigantic nose and a lush crown is shown front-and-center, giving him an iconic, almost heraldic presence; at the same time, the ironic overstatement exposes the figure as ridiculous and vulnerable.
The painting style is spontaneous and gestural — visible brushstrokes, deliberately 'imperfect' proportions, an almost childlike simplification of hands, fabric, and face — through which the artist achieves a raw, emotional expression that oscillates between mockery, self-portrait, and social satire.
________________
About the Artist:
Sven-Arne „Höken“ Hökenström (1947–2025) was a Swedish artist from Stockholm, known as a pioneer of graffiti art in Sweden and as a former set painter at the Royal Theatre.
Born in a rough suburb like Aspudden, he developed a raw, expressive style that blends naive art with surreal, figurative elements and vibrant colors—often in mixed media such as acrylic or pastels.
His body of work, including “Genius Fool,” reflects a creative soul who turns theatricality and the everyday into feverish scenes; he died in 2025 in Norrtälje and left a legacy as a cultural icon of Stockholm.
Details
Artist
Sven-Arne Hökenström (1947-2025)
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
Gallery
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Genius Fool
Technique
Mixed technique
Signature
Signed
Country of Origin
Sweden
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
116 cm
Width
89 cm
Weight
400 g
Style
Abstract Expressionism
Period
2000-2010
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