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After thirty years as a critically acclaimed artist in Sweden, Gotland-born Eric Palmqwist opens the door to new parts of his artistry. His paintings and art!

Through the band Monostar and the EP Trailer Park and then as a solo artist, Eric Palmqwist has established himself as one of the country's leading songwriters. His latest record Värmen was released last winter and since then he has toured the country. Wherever his music leads, the path is lined with devoted audiences and rave reviews.

When Eric Palmqwist talks about his painting, he makes it sound like an unexpected crush. Since last spring, pretty much all free time has been devoted to painting. He describes how he became "obsessed and blissfully manic" about expressing himself with his palette knives and brushes.

"I actually didn't know this was in me, so it really came as a surprise. But those who have seen my art seem to be touched, so I guess I'm on to something," he says.

He has had his art classified as "expressive naïvism" and "art brut". He himself doesn't really care. "In itself, I like to break rules. I like, for example, the naive artists Paul Klee and Slas, and I'm also very inspired by the Art brut scene, because it's a reaction to the more schooled art. But at the same time quite carefree as I come from the music scene," he says.

Eric Palmqwist often lets his music and painting flow together.

"It's a bit like music and text. You can work with the contrasts between light and dark, seriousness and humor. I try to paint with my adult child. That's probably the starting point for all my music and art," says Eric.