Artist

Hans Hokanson

born Malmo, Sweden 1925-died East Hampton, NY 1997
Media - portrait_image_113404.jpg - 90242
Courtesy Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Born
Malmo, Sweden
Died
East Hampton, New York, United States
Nationalities
  • American
Biography

Hans Hokanson grew up in Sweden and moved to the United States in 1951, settling in Northwest Creek, New York. He was originally a painter, but the expansive forest surrounding his home inspired him to begin working in wood, and he collected huge pieces of elm and walnut from stumps and fallen trees. His early carvings were machinelike assemblages that evoked cogs, spindles, and wheels. These developed into more organic forms and would often include a touch of humor, such as a series of hat stands complete with wooden hats.