Mikael Sandblom

CV

My work explores the idea that our perception of the world is never a finished product, but a constant, shifting theory. We don’t simply record our surroundings; we navigate a continuous flow of sensory information, trying to find patterns and build meaning from moment to moment.

Through layered compositions and unstable surfaces, I create images that refuse to settle into a single interpretation. By using conflicting visual cues, where geometry and organic forms compete for dominance, I invite the viewer into a space where the act of looking is slowed down. These works are designed to be “restless,” mirroring the way our minds are always revising what we think we see.

Ultimately, my practice is a study of this internal process. It’s an invitation to catch your own mind in the act of constructing a world, and to experience the moment before a thought becomes a “fact.”

Education

  • 2006 – MBA – University of Toronto
  • 1994 – Fine Art Diploma – Ontario College of Art
  • 1991 – Master of Architecture – Dalhousie University

Exhibitions

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

  • “Fleck Fine Art Winter / Spring 2019 Catalogue Exhibition” – Elaine Fleck Gallery – Toronto
  • “Melissa Tseng – Mikael Sandblom” – Elaine Fleck Gallery – Toronto

2018

  • “Mikael Sandblom: ‘Full Fathom Five’ and Other Paintings” – Elaine Fleck Gallery – Toronto
  • “Fleck Fine Art Spring 2018 Catalogue Exhibition” – Elaine Fleck Gallery – Toronto
  • “Phosphenes – New Work by Mikael Sandblom” – Elaine Fleck Gallery – Toronto
  • “Breadcrumbs” – Gallery 1313 Toronto

2017

  • “All Rivers Flow into the Sea” – Gallery 1313 – Toronto
  • “20th Anniversary Exhibition” – Gallery 1313 – Toronto
  • “Mikael Sandblom and France-Marie Trepanier” – Cedar Ridge Gallery – Toronto
  • “The Artist Project” – Toronto
  • “Fleck Fine Art Winter 2016-17 Catalogue Exhibition” – Elaine Fleck Gallery – Toronto
  • “The Structures” – Gallery 1313 – Toronto
  • “Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition” – Toronto
  • “Fleck Fine Art Fall 2017 Catalogue Exhibition” – Elaine Fleck Gallery – Toronto
  • “Queen West Art Crawl”  – Toronto
  • “Collective 20” – Gallery 1313 – Toronto
  • “Compression – New work by Mikael Sandblom” – Gallery 1313 – Toronto
  • “Fleck Fine Art Winter 2017 Catalogue Exhibition” – Elaine Fleck Gallery – Toronto

2016

  • “Holiday Show” – Studio 21 – Halifax
  • “City of Art II” – Gallery 1313 – Toronto

2002

  • “Mikael Sandblom” – Studio 21 – Halifax

1999

  • “At the Great Harbour” – Art Gallery of Nova Scotia – Halifax
  • The work was published in the exhibition catalogue and AGNS subsequently purchased the work.

1998

  • “Mikael Sandblom & Drew Klassen” – Studio 21 – Halifax

1997

  • “Mikael Sandblom & Ian Hobson” – Studio 21 – Halifax
  • “Determining Silence” – Dead Industry- Toronto

1996

  • “LIST” – Wynick-Tuck Gallery- Toronto

1995

  • “D.I.7” – Dead Industry – Toronto
  • “Mikael Sandblom: Paintings” – Studio 21 – Halifax
  • “Collage to Construction” – Dead Industry – Toronto
  • “Between Hand & Eye” – Dead Industry – Toronto

1994

  • “Making, Mapping; Marking” Dead Industry – Toronto

Public Art

2022 “Waves” and “Clouds”, Jacquard Tapestries installed at ‘Evolv’ apartments, 25 Nicholas Ave, Toronto. Commissioned after a public competition.

2020 “Eastern Gap” Wall relief mural / sculpture installed at ‘DuEast’ condominium, 225 Sumach St, Toronto. Commissioned by Daniels Development Corp after a public competition.

Art Reviews

2024

October, 2024 “Mikael Sandblom at Gallery 1313” , Artoronto.ca by Hugh Alcock

2020

2019

2018

1997

  • 19 June, 1997 “At the Galleries” Chronicle-Herald (Halifax) by Elissa Barnard
  • Winter 1997 “Mikael Sandblom & Ian Hobson” ARTS Atlantic by Gil McElroy

1996

  • Spring/Summer 1996 “Through an Architectural Eye, Some Art by Mikael Sandblom” ARTS Atlantic by R. Kircher

1995

  • Nov. 5, 1995 “Young Painters Prove You Can’t Pin Good Art Down” The Globe and Mail by John Bently Mays
  • Spring, 1995 “Dead Industry” Canadian Art by Betty Anne Jordan
  • November, 1995 “The Big Picture” Eye Magazine by Oliver Girling

1994

  • May, 1994 “Young Turks Mess With Your Head” Eye Magazine by Oliver Girling

Writing

Exhibition reviews written by Mikael Sandblom: