UNVEILING EMOTIVE EXPRESSIONS

FROM JK’S MAGAZINE ISSUE 3: INNOVATION

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
ARTIST: SARA KÄLLBERG

SARA KÄLLBERG, A STOCKHOLM-BASED ARTIST, SHOWCASES HER EXTRAORDINARY TALENT THROUGH BOLD AND CAPTIVATING CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT PIECES UNDER THE PSEUDONYM OBSKYR. HER ARTWORK EMBODIES A COMFORTING YET REBELLIOUS EXPRESSION, DRAWING HEAVY INSPIRATION FROM STREET ART AND POETRY. WITH RECURRING THEMES OF SELF-WORTH AND DAILY STRUGGLES, SARA FEARLESSLY EXPLORES THESE CONCEPTS FROM A FEMALE PERSPECTIVE, BOLDLY QUESTIONING SOCIAL NORMS AND CHALLENGING MALE DOMINANCE.

SARA'S ARTISTIC JOURNEY WAS NOT A DELIBERATE CHOICE OR METICULOUSLY PLANNED PATH, BUT RATHER A NATURAL PROGRESSION AS HER ART CONTINUED TO EVOLVE AND RESONATE WITH A GROWING AUDIENCE. INITIALLY, PAINTING SERVED AS HER CREATIVE AND EMOTIONAL RELEASE, PROVIDING SOLACE AFTER LATE NIGHTS SPENT WITH FRIENDS.

DURING A PERIOD FILLED WITH INTENSE EMOTIONS AND MIXED SIGNALS IN HER PERSONAL LIFE, ART BECAME HER SANCTUARY. IN HER CONVERTED CLOSET STUDIO, SARA DISCOVERED THE FREEDOM TO INSTANTLY TRANSLATE HER IDEAS AND EMOTIONS ONTO CANVAS.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN ART, AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS AN ARTIST?

It was never really a decision and most definitely not a well-thought-through plan to peruse art. I guess art just kept happening and people kept buying my stuff. Initially, I painted as a creative and emotional outlet, often coming home after a late night out with friends, but not yet ready for bed. Being single at the time, was an intense period with a lot of mixed signals and emotions. Does the person like me? Do I like the person? Handling rejection, success, and passing time and keeping sane, while waiting for those non-existing texts. I had one of those closets that you could sort of step into (not those fancy walk-in closets, but one of those small spaces that your grandparents would keep their vacuum cleaner in) that I evacuated and created a small painting space in. I believe that being able to step right into painting, without needing to start with preparations, as “locating the pain.

Sara Kälöberg's art has traveled from Seoul to Copenhagen, but her favorite exhibition was her first solo show in Stockholm. Surrounded by family, friends, and both new and seasoned art buyers, Sara found the perfect balance between personal connection and professional achievement. It was more than just a successful exhibit; it was a heartwarming reunion that made it her most cherished artistic experience to date.

"I'M BLUE" IS A KLEIN BLUE HEART ARTWORK CREATED USING LIQUID INK ON CANVAS. THE ARTWORK IS CUT TO SHAPE AND ELEGANTLY FRAMED IN THICK PLEXIGLASS, MEASURING 50X70CM.

BALANCING INNOVATION AND AUTHENTICITY. ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ARTISTS

For me, social media has played a big part and made it easy to get started with selling art, without the backing of a big gallery or hosting exhibitions. Document and share your process, including struggles and failures in your own voice, and find people who like what you are doing. And never be afraid to fail, that’s just part of learning. Whenever you see something that inspires you – take a picture or print the screen and save it in a dedicated inspiration folder on your phone.

Incorporating text can be tricky since one doesn ́t want to end up with the carpe diem clichés. I listen to a lot of music when painting and also save texts, poems, and quotes that I like and am inspired by, but always try to use and stay true to my own voice.

I don ́t believe in actively trying to follow trends, but rather doing what inspires me. However, if you follow artists and accounts that inspire you, a lot of the time new trends and te- techniques will follow naturally. Sometimes the things you try will end up great, sometimes they will suck. But it doesn’t really matter, in the end, they always bring you one step forward.

MORE ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW IN JK’S MAGAZINE ISSUE 3: INNOVATION