Biography
Peter Schjeldahl, art critic for The New Yorker, has described John’s work as, “…jazzy and kind of goth.”
John Malmström (shown in his award winning watercolor, Self Portrait, at left) received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University at Long Beach in 1984.
While initially pursuing parallel careers as an Art Director, Designer, and Creative Director, his Fine Art evolved as an investigation into the visual possibilities of presenting familiar places, people and objects in unfamiliar ways.
The works begin with intense observation and careful application of design, colour structure and art theory. His traditional oil glaze and watercolour technique, executed in a Magical Realist manner, reveal the subjects through unexpected conceptual viewpoints and amusing allegorical references. Through lush renderings, the work seeks to invite a dialogue between artist and viewer that will result in an initial joy of discovery followed by lingering emotional unease and reflection.
Mr. Malmström’s work is now in collections worldwide and has been the subject of solo and group exhibitions in the United States and Canada. He is represented in Canada by Flight of Fancy and Zwicker’s Gallery, both of Nova Scotia.
In addition to his work as a studio artist, John is a professional jazz clarinetist and saxophone player and band leader of the Radio StarDust Jazz Orchestra. Since 2004 John has lived with his wife, Susan, in Bear River, Nova Scotia, Canada.
