Victor Rankanen (b. 1992, Gothenburg) is a painter and visual artist based in Gothenburg, Sweden. He holds a master's degree from the art academy in Bergen, Norway. Victor's work often features portraits of collectibles and materialistic objects, characterized by an over-sweet and kitschy aesthetic.
Utilizing a diverse mix of techniques and materials, his paintings achieve an almost digital appearance. With a keen interest in the form of painting, Victor creates unconventional visual worlds that resonate with a post-internet aesthetic. Many of his works feature nearly photorealistic portraits of porcelain figurines—objects that might initially evoke thoughts of an older generation. However, in Victor's paintings, these items are highlighted in a new light, transforming them into timeless and sometimes monumental pieces.
Victor's fascination with gadgets traces back to his childhood in the 90s and 00s, a period marked by an abundance of plastic toys and collectibles. His art reflects a peak in consumer society and materialistic possessions. This theme of collecting permeates his artistic process, as he frequents second-hand shops and markets to gather models for his painting studios.
