From 20 November 2024 to 30 March 2025 a unique art exhibition featuring works by local artist Bengt Saltö is on display. The exhibition Red Lead highlights Saltö’s interpretations of maritime structures, inspired by the historical use of red lead, once employed as rust protection.
A minimalist expression characterises Bengt Saltö’s art. By exploring the colours and shapes of the sea uniquely, he brings marine painting into a contemporary context. His works illustrate how art can blend simplicity with complexity.
Colour and Form
The orange hues in the exhibition’s paintings are inspired by red lead, a toxic paint that was once widely used to protect boats from rust. Growing up in Karlskrona, Bengt saw how boat owners and shipyard workers applied it, unaware of its harmful effects. Despite the risks, he holds fond memories of working on the boats with his family, and his love for the intense colour remains.
As a child, Bengt began sketching military structures such as bunkers and piers, shapes that still permeate his works. The military installations in Karlskrona’s archipelago, with their distinct silhouettes at dusk, have had a lasting impact on his art. Occasionally, other motifs appear – like the porcelain dogs in sailors’ homes, which faced the window to signal whether the sailors were home or out at sea.
The Subject of Red Lead
Red lead is an orange-red pigment containing lead, known since antiquity. It has been used in both anti-corrosion paints and art, but today it is strictly regulated due to its toxicity. Only professional practitioners are allowed to handle it, under stringent environmental regulations.
Bengt Saltö – A Locally Rooted Artist
Bengt Saltö was born in 1947, grew up, and works in Karlskrona. He is an acclaimed artist, trained in painting, printmaking, and art education. Bengt Saltö has received wide recognition and is represented in numerous places, both in Sweden and internationally.
The Red Lead exhibition will be displayed at the Naval Museum from 20 November 2024 to 30 March 2025.
