Vårsalongen at Liljevalchs Highlights Surreal Art and Supports War-Affected Children

The 2026 Vårsalongen spring exhibition at Liljevalchs opened with a record participation of 255 artists selected from 3,394 submissions, the highest since the 1950s. The exhibition prominently features contemporary and surreal artworks reflecting societal and political anxieties. Joanna Sandell Wright, Liljevalchs’ director and curator, noted that many pieces address troubling realities, such as a painting of a refugee family and a fountain flowing with blood-red liquid, conveying an uncertain modern world.

Younger artists made up half of the accepted participants, signaling a surge in youthful representation. The jury’s rigorous selection considered diverse artistic expressions, including performance art like Karolina Willebrand Vinnberg’s interactive piece inspired by Marina Abramović that invites visitors to share a moment over pastries. Other trends include strong ethnic representation, mobile phone imagery, and innovative formats like neon art and AI-based collage.

Parallel to the exhibition, the event features “Warsalongen,” an art auction where artists, collectors, and galleries sell works to raise funds for children affected by war. Ranjani Srinivasan, Secretary General of War Child Sweden, emphasized the importance of the art world’s involvement in such humanitarian efforts.

This year’s Vårsalongen thus blends a reflection on social turmoil with active support for vulnerable children, showcasing not only artistic innovation but also solidarity through art.