Tom Hallgren, an art student from Jönköping County, is awarded the 2025 scholarship of the Paul Peterson Foundation. The scholarship will be awarded — on Paul Peterson's birthday — February 25th at the Småland Art Archive in Vandalorum, Barn 3.

The foundation is run by Region Jönköping County and aims to support students at fine arts schools to develop artistic projects and ideas during their studies.

Tom Hallgren is studying at the Bachelor's Programme in Photography at HDK/Valand in Gothenburg and has applied for the scholarship to carry out a project linked to his degree project. Hallgren, who grew up in Jönköping, started his photographic career in his hometown and in Huskvarna.

It is a great honor to be awarded this scholarship! Concretely, it will help me to complete the exhibitions that I have this spring, not least my graduation exhibition in April. The money will go towards buying rolls of film, darkroom paper and framing, among other things. In addition to this, the scholarship also provides an invaluable boost when it comes to life after art studies. It will be a great base to start from while I continue to explore my art,” says Tom Hallgren.

Statement of the jury
“Tom Hallgren explores the complexities of masculinity through his analog photography. Inspired by his upbringing in Jönköping, he creates works that balance rawness and tenderness, intensity and stillness. The photographs in the “All Bark No Bite” project process themes of identity and relationships and explore gazes, symbolism and still lifes. This project is part of his Bachelor's Degree Exhibition 2025.

Hallgren works with analog techniques, including darkroom work in both color and black and white, which brings a unique tactility and spontaneity to his works. By exploring his own history, he creates art that both touches and evokes recognition. His pictures give a nuanced view of masculinity while reflecting Småland's cultural heritage and its relation to the present.”

^{Photo: Lukas Parkow}