Browsing through Instagram, you’re likely to encounter individuals like Ludvig Håkansson, who defy simple categorization. Is he a skateboarder, an artist, or a model? It’s a question that sparks curiosity and invites a deeper look into his multifaceted persona.
Often, within the skateboarding community, there’s a degree of skepticism towards personalities who seem to blend different worlds, like Evan Mock or Ben Nordberg. Some might label them as “clout chasers,” attempting to capitalize on skateboarding’s popularity. However, this skepticism fades when you realize they possess genuine skill on a board and a profound understanding of skate culture.
These individuals often present a carefully curated image, from their clothing choices to the settings in their photos. To unravel the mystique surrounding Ludvig, we connected with him to explore the essence of who he is. It turns out, the life he portrays is authentically his reality.
Ludvig Håkansson in an action shot on his skateboard
Gaining Recognition and Embracing the Past
Your Instagram following is substantial. Was there a specific moment when you noticed things really took off?
I think it was when I became friends with Jim Greco and Jeremy Klein. And when Greco included me in Jobs Never and The Skateboarding of Leandre Sanders and Ludvig Håkansson. Being in Greco’s films is an honor, he’s one of my favorite skaters. Also, when I started riding wide, 90s-shaped boards, that seemed to resonate with a lot of people. This unique style, combined with my connection to skateboarding legends, definitely helped me gain visibility.
Your Instagram page has a vintage, old-soul feel. Do people perceive you that way in real life?
Haha, yes, I believe some people might say that. I’ve always been drawn to vintage clothing. Regarding skateboarding, I’m fascinated by its history, especially the equipment. I often ride boards with the same shapes and sizes as those from the late ’80s and early ’90s. They’re incredibly fun to ride. I’m also interested in art history, discovering various artists and their painting techniques from the past. Goya’s black paintings, for instance, have captured my attention. My appreciation for the past isn’t just an aesthetic; it’s a deep connection to the roots of the things I enjoy.
What’s the story behind the loafers and blazers?
My grandpa has been a major influence on my style, looking at old pictures of him. Actually, some of the blazers I wear are his old ones. Also, seeing Greco skate in jackets and loafers is always inspiring. Jim and I go thrift shopping together whenever I’m in LA; it’s always a good time. This blend of family influence and skate inspiration shapes my personal style.
Given your interest in the past, are you more drawn to older people?
That depends on what you mean by “drawn to.” I usually connect better with people who are older than me. I find that these relationships offer a unique perspective and depth of conversation.
Skateboarding Culture and Artistic Inspiration
What’s your take on the differences in skateboarding attitudes between the US and Sweden?
One of the great things about skaters is that we share a passion for skating, which makes it easy to connect with fellow skaters, regardless of location. While attitudes can vary, I find that the common love for skateboarding often transcends geographical boundaries. As an introvert, I connect better with some people than others. Ultimately, besides the spots themselves, the vibes aren’t that different.
You seem to be inspired by American artists like Jack Kerouac and Willem de Kooning. Are you influenced by American culture, and would you ever consider moving to the States?
I’m a big fan of Jack Kerouac, a great writer who was also friends with painters I admire, like Franz Kline. I am definitely influenced by American culture. The abstract expressionism movement originated in New York. Listening to them discuss their work has had an impact on me. However, I feel like there’s not much culture left in the world today, it is becoming increasingly global. I would definitely enjoy living in LA, the good weather, good people and a lot of fun spots to skate. The artistic and skateboarding environment of LA is definitely appealing.
“I don’t think there seems to be a lot of culture left.”
Sweden is a skate hub with schools like Bryggeriets Gymnasium. Do you plan to move to a larger Swedish city like Stockholm or Malmo?
Malmo is indeed great for skateboarding, but I don’t think I’d like to live there. If I were to move someday, it would likely be outside of Sweden. Bigger cities tend to have more diverse skate spots. For the past couple of years, I have been working and saving money here, going to LA whenever I can. However, I haven’t been traveling this year because of the virus.
Regarding skate schools, I haven’t attended one, but my understanding from friends who have is that most students are just there because they love skating and want to spend time with other skaters. The focus is on the pure enjoyment of the sport, rather than any career prospects.
Ludvig Håkansson captured mid-trick while skateboarding
Navigating Brands and Daily Life
Would you ever skate for a major brand like Nike or Supreme?
It’s a tricky question. It depends if I like the brand. Larger corporations often prioritize appealing to a broad audience. I admire companies that create products because the owner wants to see them exist, regardless of market trends. I value authenticity and passion over mass appeal.
Can you describe a typical day for Ludvig Håkansson?
On weekdays, I wake up and go to work, where I’m a bricklayer. After work, I either skate or paint. I built a ramp that fits perfectly in my old Mercedes and I usually drive around to my favorite local spots. There are some fun, steep banks in my area, and a school has a ping pong table that’s fun to skate with the ramp.
On weekends, I often get up around five and paint for a few hours. I love painting in the early morning. Then I usually go back to sleep. Later in the day, I’ll go skateboarding. In the evening, I might read a bit, usually Nietzsche or Schopenhauer. I like knowing that everyone around me is still sleeping and having the whole day ahead of me. This blend of physical work, artistic pursuits, and intellectual exploration creates a balanced daily routine.
Was painting or skateboarding your first passion?
They’re pretty much equal. However, I keep them separate. When I’m doing one, I’m not thinking about the other. When I’m skating, I’m only thinking about skating, when I am painting, I am only thinking about painting. Each passion has its own space and time.
Ludvig Håkansson doing a trick on his skateboard
Exploring Artistic Influences and Future Aspirations
Where did you learn to paint?
I’m self-taught. I’ve learned a lot from interviews and lectures with figures like Clement Greenberg and Frank Stella. Recently, Baroque painting has become a source of inspiration. I thought it would be interesting to blend past and modern techniques. I’m happy with what I’ve been creating this way, and it works for me.
A film called Painters Painting by Emile de Antonio from 1972 has taught me a lot. It features New York School painters discussing their work in their studios, it’s a great watch. Interestingly, I don’t think skateboarding influences my painting at all.
I’m into abstract expressionism. I prefer to work on large canvases and use oil paints. I have been using Rembrandt’s palette lately as his colors really seem to work for me, it gives my paintings a timeless vibe that I like. I’m a big fan of the Old Masters, like The Cranachs, even though I don’t paint figures, I gain a lot of inspiration from them, just like I get from New York School painters such as Franz Kline, Robert Motherwell, and Willem de Kooning.
I’ve been in a few exhibitions, including one solo. I’d like to have more exhibitions in the future. My primary focus is on developing my painting skills rather than seeking publicity. As Larry Poons said: “Success is in the studio. That’s the only success there is. The only other type of success is business: it’s not art.” My priority lies in artistic growth.
It also seems you have an interest in poetry. When did you start writing?
I purchased a typewriter about two years ago, an Underwood from the ‘30s. I don’t write a lot, but I try every now and then. It is another avenue of creativity for me.
Ludvig Håkansson posing while holding a skateboard
A Journey Through Time
If you could time travel and have dinner with any guests, where would you go and who would you eat with?
That’s a great question. There are a few people that come to mind. I’d love to go to the Cedar Tavern bar in Greenwich Village in the 1950s to have dinner and drinks with Willem de Kooning. We could discuss painting and his experience moving to the US. Plus, there’s a good chance I’d encounter other favorite painters of mine there.
Or I would go to Frankfurt in the 1860s to visit Schopenhauer. I’m interested in his philosophy. We could discuss art and instincts.
Perhaps I would go back even further, to Wittenberg in Germany in the 1520s, to visit the workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder. There’s a language barrier, and they probably wouldn’t let me into the workshop, so I would try to sneak in and observe what they were doing. That workshop was impressive. He and his employees created prints and portraits very efficiently, while maintaining high quality. His son, Lucas Cranach Jr., later took over the workshop, and was a talented artist as well. These imagined encounters highlight the depth of my intellectual and artistic interests.
Ludvig Håkansson in a close-up shot
Ludvig Håkansson is an intriguing figure who combines the worlds of skateboarding, art, and philosophy. His unique style and deep appreciation for the past make him a compelling personality. He is definitely one to watch.
