Rooted in philosophy and fine art, Gustaf Lilliestierna explores the dynamic interplay between physical and mental images through figurative painting. His practice can be described as a figurative study of the metaphysics of the image, where he investigates how our perception of reality shifts as soon as it is mediated by visual language. Once observed, an image exceeds its material form and continues to unfold within the imagination of the viewer, giving rise to what he calls hyper-images—paintings that carry multiple layers of meaning beyond their original context.

Building on associations, logic, fiction, and emotional impressions, Lilliestierna creates situations and environments that evoke complex emotions such as reverence, nostalgia, and inspiration. In doing so, he highlights how images operate not only as representations, but also as referential objects that generate unique mental images for each individual.

Gustaf Lilliestierna (b. 1992) lives and works in Stockholm. He holds an MFA from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a BFA from Konstfack, with additional studies at Parsons New School and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. He has received grants from Kirunastipendiet, Konstnärsnämnden, and Helge Ax:son Johnsons Stiftelse, among others. His work is represented in the permanent collection of Region Kronoberg.