Bengt Lindstrom in André Lothe’s studio in 1948. Photo by Christer Strömholm, another student of André Lothe.
After a year at Chicago Art Institute where Lindström became familiar with the abstract expressionism of Pollock and De Kooning in particular, the artist moved from the USA to Paris. He only has a few dollars in his pocket, won the night before playing cards in Chicago. Bengt landed in France in 1947 and settled in Paris, a city he fell madly in love with. He will spend the rest of his life alternating France and Sweden. On his arrival in the capital, the young painter joins André Lothe’s workshop and then Fernand Léger’s. André Lhote’s workshop is also the place where Bengt met his future first wife Marie-Louise Boudriot in January 1951. These are very productive though not prolific years. Lindström looks to define his style and tries many techniques such as collage, mosaic and screen printing. However, he has not yet been able to convince the art critics. His lack of money also prevents him from buying the colors, which will later become his brand signature. It isn’t until the late 1950’s that Lindström manages to sell several paintings to a British art dealer. Little by little, this income allows him to buy paints and materials. As a result, the Swedish painter quickly develops the style that he is recognized for today by painting large colorful paintings representing Sámi inspired faces and mythical inspirations.
