In Alex Norqvist's WORLD
Alex Norqvist is an artist from Stockholm, Sweden, whose journey began with graffiti at a young age. Growing up surrounded by urban art, spray paint quickly became his language - a tool that allowed him to express himself in a raw and direct way. Over the years, he developed his own signature style, adapting spray paint techniques onto large-scale canvases that now live far beyond the streets, fitting seamlessly into modern homes.
As his work gained recognition, Alex began creating custom pieces for collectors and public figures, establishing himself as one of the notable artists of his generation in Sweden. Yet despite the recognition, his work still carries that original energy - bold, expressive, and rooted in street culture.
We had the honour of living with Alex in our shared creative house in Portugal - a space that has become a vibrant hub of ideas, conversations, and artistic collaboration. Watching him work on his ongoing project ''Faces and Places'' was truly inspiring. We visited his permanent studio here in Portugal and experienced his exhibition in Lisbon, seeing firsthand how his artistic vision takes shape both emotionally and visually.
This space is dedicated to sharing the stories behind the art and the artists we connect with. Because behind every piece of art, there is always more than meets the eye: a process, a journey, moments of doubt and clarity, conversations that shift perspective, and experiences that transform the work itself. Art isn’t just about the finished piece. It’s about the life lived around it.
Below, we’re excited to share a conversation with Alex. His thoughts, motivations, and the experiences that shape his work, followed by a selection of images from his world.
What does a perfect creative day look like for you?
It starts with coffee - not just any coffee, but really good coffee. Then I work out, and that’s usually when the ideas begin to flow.
After that, I put on music, go down to the studio, and either start something new or continue working on an existing piece - it depends on the day.
To finish it off, I might have dinner with people who inspire me. That’s a perfect day.
Before you start a piece, do you ever see it clearly in your mind, almost like a vision? Or is it more of a conversation between you and the canvas?
It’s different every time. Sometimes I already know exactly what I want to create, and I can feel that it’s going to be good.
Other times, I just start from a feeling and let it develop naturally.
Sometimes it turns out great right away, and other times I’ll work on it for weeks until I’m satisfied.
Do your ideas come in silence, dreams, meditation or on spot?
Most of my ideas come in the moment - when I’m alone, walking, working out, or listening to music. That’s when things really flow.
I also get a lot of inspiration from traveling, from the people I meet, and from colour combinations I notice in everyday life.
How do you celebrate after selling the piece?
It gives me a real boost knowing someone appreciates my work.
It puts me in a good flow and makes me want to create even more.
I usually celebrate by going out to dinner with friends and enjoying time with them.
What has been the most unexpected “this is crazy” moment in your career so far? The kind that made you stop and think, how did this even happen?
Probably the first painting I ever sold. I was 20 years old, and I sold it for 100 euros.
It completely changed my mindset. I realized you could actually make money doing something you love, and that you don’t need a “normal” job.
That moment changed everything.
The faces appear again and again in your work. Where did they first begin?
It started when I was asked to paint t-shirts for a band member. I only had spray paint and didn’t know what to create, so I painted a face. It was the easiest and coolest motif to do quickly.
Later, I brought that idea onto canvas and began experimenting more with colours.
Are they based on real people?
Yes, in a way. Mostly through names and colours. I often feel what colour a person is, and then I give the piece a name based on that.
Each work becomes very different depending on the feeling behind it.
If someone stood in front of your work and really understood it, what would you hope they feel ?
It’s not meant to be fully understood. It’s up to the viewer.
Whatever they feel - that’s the meaning.
What is the hardest part about being an artist today?
Marketing.
It’s probably 90% marketing - reaching the right people and convincing them why they should choose your work over someone else’s.
Most collectors aren’t even on Instagram, so you have to find other ways to connect. Social media helps build recognition, but it’s not enough on its own.
The hardest part is constantly finding new ways to be seen.
What personal strengths have helped you the most in your career?
Discipline. Showing up and creating consistently.
Also, being willing to try new things and not being too perfectionistic.
Mistakes often lead to something better.
Is there a vision for your future that feels bigger than you right now? And on a more practical level, what’s next for you?
I think anything is possible.
Right now, my next mission is to help other artists - especially younger ones. Sell their work and find inspiration to create.
I also want to keep traveling and share my art with people all around the world.
If you’d like to explore more of Alex’s work, visit his website and follow his artistic journey on Instagram. Below, we’re sharing moments from the Lisbon exhibition.