Yung Lean Unveils Decade of Art in Stockholm Exhibition

Jonatan Leandoer Håstad, widely known as the musician Yung Lean, has opened his inaugural major art exhibition, titled 'Collected Works 2016-2026,' at Torsgatan 22 in Stockholm, Sweden. The exhibition, which runs until October 11, showcases a substantial collection of artworks created by Håstad over the past decade, with many pieces being publicly displayed for the first time. In a recent interview with Artsy, Håstad discussed his long-standing engagement with visual art and drew parallels between his contemporary art practices and his music career.

Håstad identified graffiti as his "first big love," developing an obsession with it at the age of 11. Prior to achieving fame as Yung Lean, Håstad, under the pseudonym Verp at age 13, was associated with the Hanoi street art collective fewcrew. Despite his rise to musical prominence with groups like Sad Boys and Drain Gang, Håstad continued his visual art practice, largely keeping it private. He expressed a deliberate hesitation to "professionalize" this aspect of his artistry, aiming to preserve its "purity." 'Collected Works 2016-2026' marks his transition from keeping his art in the shadows to presenting it to a wider audience.

The exhibition features a diverse array of works, including paintings, collages, sculptures, drawings, dioramas, and scenic installations. These pieces are displayed at Torsgatan 22, a venue formerly known as the Stockholm Gasworks. The exhibition offers an immersive experience into Håstad's visual world. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual version of the exhibition is available, allowing for digital interaction and exploration. Additionally, a new short film titled 'Slåtter,' executive-produced by and starring Håstad, premieres at the exhibition. Viewers can watch the film through openings in a cement wall. The film is reportedly inspired by elements of Swedish folklore, including fantastical and sometimes frightening figures, and draws inspiration from his mother's cottage and other artistic influences.

This exhibition represents a significant moment for Håstad, bridging his established career in music with his long-held passion for visual arts. The scale and scope of 'Collected Works 2016-2026' underscore the depth and breadth of his artistic output over the last ten years. The inclusion of a virtual component aims to broaden accessibility, allowing a global audience to engage with his work. The premiere of 'Slåtter' further integrates his multimedia artistic interests, combining his visual and cinematic creative endeavors.