Ulrik Samuelson studied at Konstfack and the Royal Institute of Art from 1957 to 1962. He subsequently served as a professor at the Royal Institute of Art from 1970 to 1978. Samuelson is a prominent representative of the radical artistic generation of the 1960s. Neo-Dada, Pop Art, conceptually oriented art and Minimalism opened up new paths for the desire to circumvent the conventions and forms of expression of traditional art. Samuelson’s artistic hallmark is his refined surfaces and exquisite treatment of materials such as silk, mahogany, glossy black plastic, gold and marble. Many of his works are symbolically charged, with the images and installations revolving around the opposition between death and sexuality, desire and transience. His largest work is the decoration of Kungsträdgården metro station, where he reflects history, the present day and archaeology in an underground rock chamber. In 1991, he was awarded the Prince Eugen Medal, and in 1998 he received first prize in the Carnegie Art Award.