ARTIST STATEMENT
Motivated by blending abstract ideas with reality, I specialise in creating captivating portraits of women. My inspiration comes from meditation practices and delving into spiritual concepts like Akashic Records and the 5th dimension. Using various art tools like oil, acrylics, spray paint, and gold leaf, I aim to transform mystical experiences into tangible artworks. By combining these materials, I achieve a multi-dimensional look that enriches the depth and essence of my creations. Gold is a key element symbolising enlightenment and spiritual growth, recurring in my pieces to represent the divine light within each subject, emphasising their inner beauty and spiritual journey.
Through my women portraits, I aim to uncover the intricate layers of human emotions and depths, going beyond the surface to capture the complex inner world of each person. Every brushstroke conveys deep emotions, instinctual truths, and universal realities that form the essence of the subject. I see my art as a bridge to the viewer's inner wisdom and intuition, sparking reflection, self-discovery, and the exploration of unseen realms.
Embarking on my artistic odyssey, my quest is grounded in the pursuit of truth, beauty, and a spiritual communion transcending the physical realm. By encapsulating these profound encounters through my artistry, I endeavour to stimulate others to embark on their journey of self-discovery, inviting them to unearth the extraordinary within their own consciousness.
BIO
Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, and raised in Sweden and Germany, Selma Karlsdottir is a versatile artist with a formal background in theatre tailoring, metal craft making, jewellery design, painting (acrylic, aquarelle, and oil), photography, web design, and art history. She holds a degree (cum laude) in Interior Design from Istituto Marangoni and has lived in seven different European countries in Europe, influencing her diverse and captivating works.
Artistic Style
Selma's art merges abstract and realism, focusing on captivating women. Influenced by ascension meditations, Akashic Records, she uses acrylics, spray paint, gold leaf to translate divine moments. Inspired by Caravaggio, she plays with light, shadow for emotional depth. Gold symbolizes enlightenment, appears often to highlight beauty, significance. Selma's work delves into human spirit, inviting introspection, exploration of hidden realms. Her art encourages contemplation, self-discovery beyond the physical realm.
Artistic Journey
Selma's journey in art began at a young age, inspired by her family's passion for creativity. With the guidance of a dedicated art teacher during her teenage years, she honed her skills and garnered awards. Despite working as an interior designer in London for over a decade, Selma's love for fine arts continued to burn brightly. Recently, she made the bold decision to relocate to Spain, reaffirming her dedication to her art and embarking on a new chapter in her artistic career.
CV
Born in Reykjavik, Iceland
Past residencies: Iceland, Sweden, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Portugal
Currently resides and works in Málaga, Spain
Selected Publications:
02. 2024 Artist Closeup - Contemporary Art Magazine - Edition #16 March 2024
01. 2019 Interview for local newspaper for privately own gallery & artisan cosmetic shop for local artists, Orust Sweden
Selected Exhibitions:
16. 2024 October 18-20 / Group Exhibition / Artio Gallery at the Art Shopping Carrousel du Louvre, Paris , FR (Upcoming)
15. 2024 October 11-13 / Group Exhibition / European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, ES (Upcoming)
14. 2024 May 24-26 / Vision Art Fair Marbella, Represented by The Fusion Gallery in Marbella ES
13. 2024 April 26-30 / Group Exhibition / Pitturiamo Top Selection at Gallerie Thullier, Paris FR
12. 2024 April 04-08 / Group Exhibition / Galerie Beauté Du Matin Calme, Village Suisse, Paris FR
11. 2024 March 13 / Online Exhibition / Artio Gallery at the Art Shopping Carrousel du Louvre, Paris , FR
10. 2024 March 01-31 / Group Exhibition / Andie Art Gallery Athens, GR
09. 2024 March 01-31 / Group Exhibition / Andakulova Gallery Dubai, UAE
08. 2024 March 01-31 / Group Exhibition / Nicoleta Gallery Berlin, DE
07. 2017-2019 Buttercup Gallery & Artisan Cosmetics Shop
- Permanent exhibition at privately owned gallery + local artists exhibitions
06. 2010 “Pushing Boundaries in Design” (group exhibition), Istituto Marangoni, London UK
05. 2006 “A collection of fine art, metal objects and installations” (group exhibition), Nyckelvikksskolan, Stockholm SE
04. 2005 “Contemplation” - Acrylic on Canvas” (solo exhibition), Brunns Café, Gothenburg SE
03. 2005 O.S.D. 1, Gothenburg, SE
02. 1997 “Soaring High” Common space murals to uplift the learning environment, commissioned by GSR College, Mannheim DE
01. 1996 “Social & Environmental Issues - A Thought Provoking Art Exhibition”, GSR College, Mannheim DE
Collections:
Selma Karlsdottir features in various national and international private collections.
Education:
2007-2010 Istituto Marangoni, Milan IT & London UK BA CUM LAUDE
- Interior Design Theory & Implementation
- Design in Sectors (residential, educational, retail, hospitality)t
- Perspective Drawing of Interior & Exterior Environments
- Adobe Suite, Creative & Presentational Implementation
- Visual Expression of ideas through 3D
- Art History
2005-2006 Nyckelviksskolan, Stockholm SE
- Jewellery Design
- Metal Arts & Crafts, Soft & Hard Metals Design
- Painting & Drawing Techniques
- Architectural Installations
- Product Design
1997-2001 Nationaltheater Mannheim DE
- Textile Theory
- Traditional Tailoring Techniques
- Creative & Dramatic Tailoring for the Stage
- Accessory Design & Creating for the Stage
Awards:
Selma Karlsdottir has received numerous 1st and 2nd prize awards for paintings and artworks throughout her creative education.
Selected Publications
Exhibition catalogues
Interviews
etc