The Art of Anders Zorn

I Sangkammaren by Anders Zorn

Swedish born Anders Zorn (February 18, 1860 – August 22, 1920) is an artist who will stop you in your tracks with awe. Such simplicity in his strokes while at the same time such volume and character.

This is art that will make you immediately think.

Righly so, Zorn is one of Sweden’s best known artists.

It’s messy and it’s diverse and it’s cunning and it’s deep. I think the most outstanding thing for me is the natural feeling the surroundings have in the paintings. It feels as though the subjects are at home.

It is clear to see the pride Zorn had in his homeland, and reading about his life, it’s also very evident. In 1896 the Zorn’s decided to move back to Sweden from Paris. They bought land and old cottages in Sweden, and together with his wife established a reading society, parish library, a childrens’ home, the Mora domestic handicraft organization, and a folk music revival that still lasts till this day as one of the most prestigious Folk Music Awards in Sweden.

Zorn had a lot of international acclaim in his life, both for painting and etching, and received many quite amazing opportunities to do portraits of quite prominent members of society. At the Paris World Fair in 1889, the 29-year-old Zorn was awarded the French Legion of Honour. In 1893, the Columbian World Fair was arranged in Chicago of which Zorn was chosen as the superintendent of the Swedish art exhibition. Again, this resulted in many commissions, notably of Presidents: portrait of Grover Cleveland and his wife (1899, National Portrait Gallery, Washington DC), an etching for Theodore Roosevelt in 1905, and a painting of William Taft (1911, the White House). Swedish noteables included many members of the Royal Family, including Queen Sofia (1909, Waldemarsudde, Stockholm).

Froknarna Salomon (The misses Salomon) by Anders Zorn

Froknarna Salomon (The misses Salomon) by Anders Zorn

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Sigur Rós – Valtari

Below was taken directly from Sigur Rós’s website.

Written & directed by Christian Larson. Choreography by sidi larbi cherkaoui.
Cinematography by Mattias Montero, costume designer Lydia Kovacs, produced by Noreen Khan.

Directors Comments

I’ve always been inspired by dance, so I wanted to tell a short story with dialogue through movement, without anyone saying anything. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s extraordinary choreography created this unique communication between the dancers James O’Hara & Nicola Leahey. Larbi’s way of working with flexibility played as an interesting contrast to the harsh environment in which Matthias Montero’s pure and ethereal style of cinematography allowed an intimate portrait of the couple.

Christian Larson

Christian Larson grew up drumming, dancing & filming skateboarding in Sweden and it was this background that helped carve his reputation of a rhythmic visual style. Starting out making music promos, he went on to be an editor for the renowned Swedish director Jonas åkerlund before focusing fully on directing. His work includes promos for Kylie Minogue, Tinie Tempah, Nero as well as commercials and editorials for wallpaper magazine, Absolut vodka and Roche Bobois.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Gamla Stan

Stockholm, Gamla Stan. Photo credit: Ned Tobin | www.nedtobin.com

Stockholm is a city on the water. The core of the city is along the harbour, and various bridges go this way and that taking city goers from one island to the next. If walking is not the ideal solution, there are always the little harbour shuttle boats scattered along the docks that can take you this way and that. Continue Reading →