Johan Axel Gustaf Törneman (1880-1925) was a pioneering Swedish modernist painter who received his artistic education across Europe. He began his studies at the Värmland School of Art in Göteborg, Sweden, under the guidance of Carl Wilhelmson. Notably, Törneman's journey led him to study at the Kunstakademie München and under Adolf Hölzel in Germany, where he was influenced by Art Nouveau and symbolism.

Törneman's artistic style underwent a profound transformation as he embraced expressionism and abstract art, making him one of Sweden's earliest expressionist artists. His creative journey reached its pinnacle during his time in Paris, where he explored vibrant and abstract forms of artistic expression. Notably, Törneman's iconic works, including "Night Café I and II," are regarded as groundbreaking contributions to Swedish modernism. Despite receiving limited recognition during his lifetime, Törneman's innovative approach to art solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in the realm of Swedish modernist painting.