Swedish artist JOHAN ANDERSSON presents STOLEN FACES

The Long Gallery of Englefield House in Berkshire will host a seminal arts event, the climax of artist acclaimed Swedish artist Johan Andersson's first formal series of portraits: STOLEN FACES.

STOLEN FACES challenges preconceptions of beauty and identity; seeking to give representation and visibility to those who do not conform to the artificial and image conscious. Andersson encourages viewers to confront their preconceptions of identity in a manner that is uniquely uncompromising.

STOLEN FACES has been a 15 month project that has toured throughout the USA and the UK. The venue for the ultimate solo show is the exclusive private Long Gallery, where the paintings of individuals marginalised by contemporary society will replace 17th century portraits of prominent aristocracy; breaking the tradition of centuries. The venue was carefully selected to amplify Andersson’s already powerful narrative.  Englefield House is an outstanding Elizabethan stately home situated on a 20,000 acre estate, privately owned by the Benyon family. The house has been featured in films such as The King's Speech, Match Point and X-Men First Class.

This exclusive event takes place May 11th 2012, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, The Long Gallery of Englefield House, Englefield, Berkshire RG7 5EN

2007 Johan Andersson was the youngest ever artist to be shortlisted for the BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery

2008 Graduated from Central St Martins

2008 Named as one of the Independent's top 20 new artists

2008 Selected for the Jerwood Contemporary Painters Prize

2010 Nominated by Sky Arts as 'one to watch' when he took part in a 6 week documentary The Art of Survival, broadcast in July 2011

2010 Exhibited in charity exhibition for Breakthrough Breast Cancer at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

Summer 2011 Andersson made the headlines by choosing to exhibit his portrait of Amy Winehouse (commissioned by Art Below), not within the traditional gallery circuit but the singer’s favourite Camden bar and Camden Underground station. Andersson has also exhibited alongside artists including Anish Kapoor, Tracy Emin, Sarah Lucas, Gavin Turk and Howard Hodgkin. He has exhibited and sold on the international art market including The Scope Art Fair in Basel, Cutlog in Paris, and most recently was invited to host a solo show at the Curio Gallery in Venice Los Angeles. His work has been displayed in major London Underground stations including Bond Street, Baker Street and South Kensington.

For more information about the event and to arrange tickets, please email: rsvp@artbelow.org.uk

Art Below: http://artbelow.org.uk

Johan Andersson: http://www.johanandersson.com

Englefield House: http://www.englefieldestate.co.uk