I met Mats for over ten years ago I met Mats. We re-built the area called Garnisonen in Östermalm in Stockholm and we aspired, with the help of some talented artists, to create attractive entrances. Mats had to deal with the biggest entrance Karlavägen 108. The actual entrance room is fairly broad with large glass sections out to the adjacent arcade. Mats wanted to make a bridge with a few horses on. The horses were reflected in the water under the bridge. Furthest out on the bridge would sit a couple of girls.
It was exciting to follow Mats in his work. He had to borrow Torsten Renqvists studio out in Kummelnäs and I was there several times to see how work was progressing. Sculpting horses, I understand, is difficult and Mats, as he is a careful person, did not give up until he felt really happy. It is also reflected in the final result – “This, our dear life is as a mirror on water”, as the sculpture is called, has been very good and is appreciated by both tenants and passers-by. The poetic title of the sculpture was found by Mats in an Persian poem. It is a bit typical for Mats, he is often inspired by literature and his sculptures often express a strong feeling.
Mats is very productive and has over the years received many significant commissions such as; “Dare” in Vasaparken in Västerås, the Mermaid in Oval Park in Danderyd and most recently, “Peer Gynt and the passenger” in Loren in Norway. The most recent was the result of an international competition. But it is not only in the large format that Mats comes into his own: Mats has made many fine small sculptures such as “vänporträtten” by Domenico Inganni and Torsten Renqvist. These are very sharp in their expression and convey a fervent heat. We asked Mats to make gifts in the form of thousands of small horses in bronze. They were handsome and really popular. With the contacts Mats has with foundries in northern Italy even the price was favourable.
Italy means a lot to Mats where he lives half the year in a small village in the hills above Lake Como. It's been fantastic to have the privilege to visit him down there and see how even large works such as Peer Gynt can grow under very primitive conditions. But that is also typical Mats! He is not afraid of major challenges and putts everything together at the end - with good results too!
Thanks Mats, for all that you have created over the years and good luck with new challenges. There are many public areas, entrances, and homes that would need a piece of your work!
Svante Torell
Biography
Said about Mats
How I Work
