Svein Koningen

Born in Norway (1946), Svein Koningen is an acclaimed international artist whose work bridges continents. His artistic foundations were formed early through his artistic family and childhood visits to Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum before relocating to Australia in 1953.
After studying Art and Industrial Design, Koningen's independent spirit led him through diverse professional experiences from graphic design to management in the Caribbean, establishing a pattern of change that defines both his life and art.
His studios in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Noosa Heads in Australia, and later his renowned workspace in Bruges, Belgium, have been centres for his creative expression. Koningen's work is characterized by brilliantly bold abstract paintings inspired by contrasts in nature particularly geographical landscapes both urban and otherwise.
Working intuitively without predetermined plans, Koningen creates textured, vibrant canvases that invite physical and emotional engagement. He believes "the magic happens when viewers can feel the energy of a painting" – his definition of successful abstraction.
His distinctive technique involves large palette knives and brushes, with a process of layering, paring, and scraping that reveals stories within t...

Art and Industrial Design, Geelong Australia

Solo exhibitions
2018 Black and White Manyung Gallery, Flinders Australia
2017 Koningen@333 Collins Street Melbourne Australia
2017 Art Fusion BMW MELBOURNE Australia
2013 Art Gent International Art Fair, Gent Belgium
2013 Art & Design Du Fosse, Brugge Belgium
2012 Paintings from a Brugge Studio, St. Kilda Melbourne Australia
2012 No Limits! Just Abstraction Blast Gallery, Paris France (video)
2011 Koningen @ Cultuurcentrum De Brouckere, Torhout Belgium
2011 Duet of Sculptures Hof Van Ryhove Space, Gent Belgium
2009 Un Reve Colore Espaces Loungeatude, Louvain-la-Neuve Belgium
2007 Subconscious Abstraction GC Oude Pastorie, Mechelen Belgium
2006 Embracing Roussillion First Line, Knokke Belgium
2006 Noir et Blanc First Line, Knokke Belgium
2005 Antipodean Reflections Gondwana Gallery, Sydney Australia
2004 Abstract Blues Lynne Wilton Gallery, Melbourne Australia
2004 Exposing Abstract Colour Bark Modern Art, Hong Kong China
2004 Abstract Lynne Wilton Gallery, Melbourne Australia
2003 Abstract Colours Unearthed Lynne Wilton Gallery, Melbourne Australia
2002 Senses Come Alive Noosa Regional Gallery, Noosa Heads Australia
2001 Palm Beach Art, Sy...