Open Forms: An Abstract Art Exhibition at the Swedish Institute in Paris

From February 20 to July 19, 2026, the Swedish Institute, located in the heart of the Marais, is hosting the exhibition Formes Ouvertes. Dedicated to Swedish artist Olle Bærtling, the show explores the development of geometric abstraction.

This exhibition showcases nearly thirty years of work by the painter and sculptor, thoughtfully paired with pieces by several acclaimed international contemporary artists.

Located within the historic town house that houses the Swedish Cultural Institution in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, the exhibition offers a journey through the concept of “open form,” a term introduced by Bærtling in the 1950s. The display investigates how this artistic legacy continues to influence contemporary practice across painting, sculpture, and installation art.

A Conversation Between Olle Bærtling and Contemporary Art

The exhibition spotlights the work of Olle Bærtling (1911-1981), a prominent figure in Swedish abstraction, who from the 1950s onwards pioneered the concept of “open form.” In his compositions, angles and triangles appear to extend beyond the canvas, giving the impression that the painting unfolds into space and breaks free from the traditional frame. This approach transforms the picture surface into a dynamic space where color becomes a key perceptual and visual element.

The exhibition highlights the works of several contemporary artists who reinterpret this concept across diverse mediums. Notable among the featured artists are:

• Cécile Bart, renowned for her "screen paintings" created from translucent veils.
• Rana Begum, whose sculptures and installations play with light and geometric forms.
• Jacob Dahlgren, developing abstract works inspired by everyday objects and audience participation.
• Bernd Ribbeck, whose geometric compositions evoke imaginary architectures.
• Ulla von Brandenburg, an artist exploring the intersections of theater, rituals, and social structures.
• Bella Rune, blending textiles, sculpture, and technology into immersive spatial installations.
• Brooklin A. Soumahoro, whose repetitive paintings center around the triangle as a fundamental motif.

This juxtaposition of historical works and contemporary creations offers an opportunity to explore varied interpretations of abstraction today, along with the potential developments stemming from the theory of open form.

The Swedish Institute: A Cultural Hub in the Heart of the Marais

The exhibition is taking place at the Swedish Institute, housed since 1971 in a historic townhouse in the Marais district. As Sweden’s official cultural mission abroad, this institution regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions, artistic events, and cultural encounters designed to foster connections between France and Sweden.

Visitors can also explore the institute's courtyard and garden, dotted with sculptures, as well as the FIKA Cafe, which offers a menu inspired by Swedish cuisine. Exhibitions are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursdays. This cultural hub is located at 11 Rue Payenne in Paris.