Mamma Andersson presents Dick Bengtsson

More about the book

In 1983, I began working as a watchman at Moderna Museet in Stockholm while studying art. My job allowed me to immerse myself in art history, and the bookstore became a treasure trove of inspiration. One of the first exhibitions I oversaw was Dick Bengtsson’s, which, though small, captivated me. Initially, I didn’t fully appreciate his paintings, but eventually, they became foundational to my own work. During the 90s, his catalogue became my daily companion, often accompanying my morning coffee. I would sometimes replicate his paintings or borrow elements for my own creations, leading to a well-worn, stained book. His imagery became so ingrained in me that I occasionally mistake his works for my own. Remarkably, this was the first publication dedicated to his artistry, with another not appearing until 2005, coinciding with a larger exhibition at Moderna Museet. Bengtsson, an autodidact, was once considered an outsider artist, and despite his limited output, his works are now highly valued. I am thrilled to contribute to this project, enabling more art enthusiasts, both in Sweden and beyond, to discover his remarkable legacy.