PG Thelander

Pär Gunnar Thelander, born on May 2, 1936 in Stockholm, is a Swedish artist known as PG Thelander. He studied decorative painting at Konstfack from 1953 to 1959, continued at the Royal Institute of Art from 1959 to 1964, and pursued further studies in Paris in 1962.

Thelander is a multidisciplinary artist—working as a painter, sculptor, and graphic artist—with international recognition for his copperplate prints and etchings.

His art combines classical elements with whimsical, surreal details like screws, tape, and animals such as penguins and turtles. A recurring figure in his work is a small, fragile stick figure—his artistic alter ego—first introduced in the 1970s. His style is known for its humor and unexpected combinations that invite reflection.

PG Thelander’s work has been exhibited widely and is featured in major museums in Sweden, including Nationalmuseum and Moderna Museet, as well as internationally in cities like London, Paris, New York, and San Francisco.