Biography

Born and raised in Stockholm, Annika attended the Konstfack, Sweden's prestigious art university and today, after a number of years teaching art, she dedicates her life to the pursuit of her artistic vision.

"From the earliest beginnings it was the impressionists that inspired me" says Annika, whose influences also include, amongst others, the fascinating Anders Zorn.

Juxtaposed with the seriousness of her education in the art sciences, Annika's outlook and work product is riant, light and positively festive. A Napoleon blowing chewing-gum bubbles or a Marie Antoinette fainting at the sight of Näcken (mythological water-sprites typically portrayed dancing nude in the streams), is Annika's reaction to the gravity of art science.

"I want for the viewer to overcome the monotonous and routine. A painting should evoke happiness, not melancholy" states Annika of her approach.

From depictions of the French nobility's festive 1700's or of a decadent Berlin in the 20's, to Stockholm's contemporary Café Opera, Annika's paintings spread a mood of celebration.

"I love to go to the pub", says Annika speaking of the Café Opera, with which she has developed a personal relationship across the years. "There, I find a fun environment and get to meet an exciting blend of people", she adds, speaking of the various personalities she has encountered, which include members of the Rolling Stones.

In fact, not only does the celebrity pub show off Annika's works, but its vaulted interiours and crystal chandeliers feature in her paintings, artfully blending imagination with reality.

A stone's throw from Ales Stenar, Sweden's Stonehenge in the southern province of Skåne (Scania), where Annika's roots lie, today she runs the Galleri Skräddaren (The Taylor Galllery) where her work is regularly exhibited.

Visit Annika at:

Galleri Skräddaren
Peppingevägen 24
S-27646 Löderup
Sweden
 

Annika Picture Gallery