Connor Liljestrom
Connor Liljestrom uses his upbringing in the American West to source characters, stories and objects that he wishes to study and illustrate in his work. These subjects provide an opportunity for him to explore the physical qualities of paint while simultaneously creating a narrative for his audience. His process provides viewers with statements ranging from fundamental color relationships to nuanced commentaries about the canon of art history and the Western genre.
In 2019, Liljestrom graduated with a BA in fine art from the University of Wyoming, where he gained recognition through scholarship award, portfolio review and residency selection. Since then, his works have sold out at solo exhibitions and been collected privately both nationally and internationally. His stand-out, emergent success has supported the establishment of New West Fine Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where the artist resides and works. His solo exhibitions with New West Fine Art include The Last of the Old West in 2020.
His work references mythologies, Hollywood and pop culture, natural history, colonialism and the canon of Western-centric art history. Liljestrom layers these references such that a platform for the viewer is created to either enter the conversation centered around these subjects, or be introduced to them for the first time all together. He works primarily in oil and mixed oil media.
His work will next be seen at Art Santa Fe, July 15 through 17, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center in New Mexico.