Art Meets Luxury: Inside Anna Sophia Rydgren’s Visionary World
Words: designeers
october 2024
DESIGNEERS
You often mention the balance between positive and negative space in your abstract pieces. How do you approach this, and what role does it play in the final composition?
anna sophia
My art embodies a unique fusion of modern Renaissance opulence and Scandinavian minimalism by juxtaposing rich, intricate details with clean, understated forms. In my design approach, I integrate Scandinavian minimalism with a moody, modern Renaissance style, capturing the essence of simplicity while embracing the richness of historical influences. The opulence of a Renaissance environment inspires my use of organic textures, capturing a sense of grandeur and emotional depth. In contrast, Scandinavian minimalism encourages me to focus on simplicity, creating a sense of calm and clarity in my compositions. I particularly love when my work is positioned within a Renaissance or Parisian interior, as it highlights the contrast with my minimalist pieces. The ornate surroundings enhance the simplicity of my art while the minimalist aspects invite contemplation and space. Layered upon this simplicity is the depth of modern Renaissance influences, which invite a more emotive and dramatic element. This balance allows me and the observer to explore the beauty of contrast, merging complexity with serenity, creating a timeless sophistication and harmonious visual experience.
DESIGNEERS
Your art is featured in luxury interiors around the world. How do you adapt your creative vision when creating pieces for specific spaces like high-end residences or hotels?
anna sophia
When creating pieces for high-end residences or hotels, I start by deeply understanding the specific space and its intended atmosphere. Each environment has its own unique character, essentially creating artwork that enhances and compliments the space that has been crafted. I adapt my creative vision by considering the color palette, style, and overall design elements of the space. For luxury interiors, I often focus on creating pieces that evoke a sense of timeless sophistication and tranquility. This might involve using a more subdued color palette or incorporating elegant shapes that resonate with the luxurious feel of the environment. Additionally, I pay attention to scale and proportion; larger pieces can serve as focal points, while smaller works may add subtle accents. Collaborating closely with interior designers helps ensure that the artwork aligns seamlessly with the vision for the space they have crafted. Essentially, creating art that not only stands out but also feels like an integral part of the overall design narrative, elevating the ambiance and experience of the space.
DESIGNEERS
You’ve exhibited your work in cities like Paris, London, and Stockholm. How do these different cultural settings influence your artistic expression or how your work is received?
anna sophia
Exhibiting my work across various European cities has profoundly influenced my artistic expression and how my art is received. Each cultural setting brings its own unique atmosphere, history, and values, which seep into my work. In cities like Paris, the deep-rooted art traditions inspire me to embrace a more romantic and expressive style. The city's appreciation for aesthetics encourages me to push boundaries and explore beauty in unexpected ways. In contrast, cities like Berlin, known for their edgy, avant-garde scene, inspire experimentation and challenge conventional norms.
This environment fuels my desire to address social themes, leading to more provocative and thought-provoking pieces. Scandinavia, for example, the emphasis on minimalism and connection to nature encourages a focus on simplicity and sustainability. This has shaped my approach to materials and aesthetics, allowing me to create work that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Overall, the varied cultural contexts not only enrich my artistic vocabulary but also influence how observers engage with my work. Each city provides a different lens through which my artis viewed, creating a dialogue that deepens the overall experience for observers.
“My art embodies a unique fusion of modern Renaissance opulence and Scandinavian minimalism by juxtaposing rich, intricate details with clean, understated forms.”
anna sophia
DESIGNEERS
What's currently on your coffee table?
anna sophia
0h, on my coffee table, I have a lot of books, a few of my favourites, a vintage gold colored coffee table book that I found in an antique store in an old town in Sweden (such a treasure), the life of Salvador Dali and vintage Vogue Editions that completely inspire my work. I absolutely love cooking, so of course my Italian cook books that I have found over the years! (However those aren't on my coffee table!) I have also a really big vase that I occasionally fill with flowers from my garden by Louise Roe that I love! On my coffee table right now; a bowl of beautiful chestnuts, that I found on my latest Sunday walk, they have such a beautiful color and feel. On occasion, my collection of big glasses, I have a thing for big 70s glasses!
DESIGNEERS
If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be and why?
anna sophia
I would invite Sir David Attenborough, as his iconic voice filled my childhood with unforgettable lessons about nature, animals, and our planet. His work has profoundly influenced me as an adult and inspired my advocacy for the environment and wildlife. I believe our conversation over dinner would be enlightening, especially since the world has changed significantly since he began his career.
Additionally, I would love to invite Robert Motherwell, my favorite painter, to discuss his art and the dialogue of gesture in Abstract Expressionism. I’m truly captivated by his bold brushstrokes.
DESIGNEERS
Your favourite hotel:
anna sophia
I love to travel and love to stay at boutique or designers hotel to gain inspiration, however I must say, the best stays I have had was on my last trip to Mallorca, I was visiting the village of Deia and the hotel La Residencia, a Belmondo hotel, I really enjoyed the peaceful, slow living atmosphere and luxury days there.
DESIGNEERS
Can you tell us more on the benefits of becoming a L’ATELIER member?
anna sophia
In an endeavor to bolster the creative visionaries who are crafting the interiors of our time, creative collaboration served as an impetus for the inception of an exclusive members area on our website. Offering a curated roster of interior designers, showrooms and architects an unparalleled level of aesthetic sophistication and refinement, ensuring that each piece we create adds a layer of exclusivity and tailored artistry to every project it graces.
L’ATELIER members have the leisure of acquiring original works and limited edition prints, elevating their interior design projects with pieces that reflect their discerning taste and appreciation for quality craftsmanship. Our foremost objective is to provide a versatile array of works tailored precisely to the needs and preferences of design industry professionals.
As one of the L'ATELIERS members benefits, we offer exclusionary commissioned works, poised to bring industry leaders ideas to life, crafting pieces that speak directly to their clientele.
Design industry professionals can showcase their commitment to excellence and their passion for creating inspiring environments that resonate with their clients on a profound level.
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