Per Elof Nilsson Ricklund is a third generation Swedish artist and graduated from The Florence Academy of Art graduate in 2011. He is former director of the Anatomy and Écorché programs as well as a former Principal Instructor in painting.

His work today takes the form of narratives based on his Sami heritage, Sami history and culture, and also draws inspiration from archeology, as well as ancient and classical art. He splits his time working in the north of Sweden, between wilderness and civilization.

In this Art Talk, Per Elof touches on the abstract, intrinsic, and soulful aspects of figurative painting, and explains some of his process and inspiration for this collection of works. Depicting scenes and themes from Nordic, Sami, and naturalistic theologies and cultures, he talks specifically about his painting of the Sami god, Bieggolmai, and the crafts produced by Europe’s indigenous peoples.