Tommy TC Carlsson - Out of the light

ABOUT THE ARTWORK
- Mixed media: oil painting + digital print on canvas.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Tommy “TC” Carlsson (b. 1958) is a Swedish painter and graphic artist known for his distinctive approach to representational art and trompe-l’œil. Based in both Långasjö, Småland, and Stockholm, he began his artistic journey in the early 1970s and adopted the nickname “TC,” which he still uses to sign his works. After completing his foundational training at the Öland Art School in 1977, he quickly stood out for his expressive talent and received a scholarship to continue his studies. During this period, he developed a lasting fascination with 17th-century Dutch painting and classical still lifes, influences that shaped the foundations of his artistic language.

Carlsson’s early works focused on everyday objects marked by time, chosen from his immediate surroundings and arranged in carefully crafted compositions. His still lifes sought to convey atmosphere, mystery, and symbolic meaning—“a story free to interpret,” as he described them. Over time, he expanded his technique by experimenting with backgrounds, shifting from precise, panel-like settings to more abstract, light-driven spaces that heightened tension and visual interest.

Through travel and participation in international art fairs, Carlsson evolved toward a refined trompe-l’œil style. His recent work blends technical precision with subtle humor, inviting viewers into a playful dialogue where illusion, symbolism, and reality intersect.