Hockey Player 

Gosta Adrian-Nilsson made this painting, Hockey Player, in 1927. Here we see a hockey player represented in a stylized, almost geometric manner, reflecting the influence of modern art movements on Swedish art of the period. The colours, shapes and composition are suggestive of a certain kind of modernity that was prevalent during this time. Sweden in the 1920s was undergoing rapid social change, with industrialization and urbanization transforming traditional ways of life. Organized sports, including hockey, were becoming increasingly popular, reflecting a growing interest in leisure and physical culture. Nilsson, who was gay, may have been attracted to the themes of homoeroticism that are present in sport. Institutions such as sports clubs and art societies played a significant role in shaping cultural values and identities during this period. By examining archival materials, contemporary publications, and other historical sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and political contexts in which artworks like this one were produced and received.