Happy Houses on Happy Clouds: The Joyful Imagination of Swedish Artist Per Nylen
In the small town of Alingsås in southwest Sweden, artist Per Nylen has built an imaginative universe where houses float weightlessly across open skies. For years, these playful compositions—simple yet evocative homes perched on clouds—have defined his visual language and become his unmistakable hallmark.
A painter, photographer, and digital artist now in his fifties, Nylen’s creative life has evolved across mediums and decades. Before dedicating himself fully to art, he played in a pop band in the 1980s, an experience that left a lasting imprint on his creative process. Music still fills his studio today, shaping the rhythm and atmosphere of his work as much as color or form.
Nylen’s practice has recently expanded toward abstract experimentation using digital tools, but the spirit behind his work remains the same: creating art that sparks a sense of joy. Whether painting with acrylics late in the evening or exploring new technologies, he continues to search for fresh ways to reinterpret the motifs and ideas that have guided his practice for years.
We spoke with the Swedish artist about his inspirations, his thoughts on emerging technologies like AI and NFTs, and the creative process behind those beloved houses drifting through the clouds.
Interview
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a painter, photographer and digital artist in my fifties. I live in a small town called Alingsås in the southwest of Sweden. I like a good cup of espresso and I love music.
For many years I have been painting houses on clouds in endless variations, and that has really become my hallmark. Nowadays I have focused more on abstract art using digital tools.
Music is a very important part of my creative process. In my workshop I often listen to Steely Dan, Yellowjackets, Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind & Fire, and a lot of music from the 70s and 80s. I also enjoy artists like Dirty Loops, Jacob Collier, and Ole Børud.
How did your journey into art begin?
After playing in a pop band in the eighties, I eventually got tired of it and wanted to move on to something else. That’s when I discovered art and industrial design.
My brother and I even started designing drumsticks together. These days I mostly work in my studio, painting with acrylic colors.
I really love the feeling of making people happy through my art. Art is everything. What would life be without film, music, theatre, photography, or painting? We simply need it.
Tell us about your greatest inspirations or influences.
Sometimes inspiration comes from visiting an exhibition, and sometimes it’s simply from listening to music I enjoy.
Artists like Paul Klee, Piet Mondrian, Marc Chagall, Johannes Vermeer, and Edward Hopper always make me want to paint more.
How are current trends in technology and innovation affecting your work?
Two big things are happening right now: AI creating what some people call “astonishing” art, and the rise of NFTs.
With AI, you can tell the program what to paint based on your input, but you still need a human to guide it. I’ve seen some very interesting results, but to be honest I think people still want an original painting—something made with oil or watercolor—on their walls.
Would you hang a print created by AI on your wall? Maybe if you were the first person in your neighborhood.
I’ve also experimented with NFTs just to understand the technology. The difficult part is understanding the digital contract and ownership. You might own the NFT rights while the image itself continues to circulate freely online. In many ways, you are buying a path on the blockchain rather than the artwork itself.
Maybe our grandchildren—growing up with VR headsets and virtual worlds—will understand and appreciate these new forms of art much better than we do.
Tell us about your creative process.
I’m lucky in the sense that my style and motif are already quite clear: houses on clouds.
The challenge is finding new perspectives—different color themes, new compositions, or even new titles for the works.
I usually paint in the afternoon or late evening. That’s when my creativity really starts to flow.
At the same time, I like to push myself into new territory. Recently I’ve been experimenting more with abstract art, inspired by artists like Mondrian. I’m also exploring different mediums. My latest works use oil chalk pencils, which is very different from my usual acrylic painting process.
What does wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing can mean many things. Having a good job, a supportive family, or a hobby that you truly enjoy.
For me, it’s often about everyday moments—spending time with good friends, drinking a nice cup of coffee, enjoying good food. Sometimes the small things are enough.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I also take a lot of photographs, and some of them can be seen on my Instagram account @photosbypernylen.
Because of my background in music, I also play piano. I have released a few small piano pieces on Spotify under the name Flarken, which is the name of a small village in the north of Sweden.
