Our story, in All Things Nordic

All Things Nordic published an interview with me on 27 September, about why Scandinavian Art exists and what we're actually trying to do differently. It's a good, thorough read. Here are three things worth pulling out, and the link to read the whole thing.

Why the gallery exists

"I wanted to help people discover the paintings, drawings and illustrations being made in the region, and make prints of that work easier to buy internationally." We started with a small Norwegian collection and have since added Hedvig Wallin from Sweden, with more artists from across the Nordic region to come.

What "Scandinavian" actually means here

Scandinavian design has a reputation the art doesn't automatically inherit, and it shouldn't have to. "The clean lines and restraint associated with Scandinavian furniture don't set the rules for what an artist makes." What I look for instead is "a recognisable point of view": artists like Ingunn Dybendal and Helene Brox, both part of Oslo's Heiaklubben collective, drawing their own lives in their own places, so the work carries the place with it.

Provenance, discovery, support

Asked what a curated gallery offers that a big poster retailer doesn't, I put it simply: "it comes down to provenance, discovery and support for the artist." Provenance, because you know who made it: each print is a specific work by a named living artist. Discovery, because we help you find artists you might never have come across. Support, because a share of every sale goes to the artist, and it's another way for them to earn from their work: "When you buy a Dybendal from us, Ingunn is paid for it."

Read the full interview on All Things Nordic.