• Groundbreaking Avant-Garde Art Exhibition at RAVINEN Kulturhus

    Written by Natalia Muntean

    Showcasing a remarkable collection of international and Nordic art from the late 20th century, the spring exhibition at RAVINEN Kulturhus, titled “Gärna avantgardistisk konst” (Willingly Avant-Garde Art), will offer visitors a rare chance to explore one of the most important art collections of the era.

    The exhibition, running from February 1 to May 18, 2025, was made possible by the generous donation of Jules and Karin Schyl to Malmö Konsthall.
    Curated by Sune Nordgren, former director of Malmö Konsthall, the exhibition provides an intimate and insightful look into avant-garde art, featuring over 150 works by renowned artists such as Donald Baechler, Gilbert & George, Antony Gormley, Per Kirkeby, Claes Oldenburg, Yasse Tabuchi, and Jules Schyl himself. The Schyls' 1983 donation, which included a portfolio of shares and an art-filled studio, was intended to support the acquisition of contemporary and avant-garde works, reflecting their passion for innovative art.

    Sune Nordgren, the exhibition's curator, emphasised the personal and historical significance of the collection: “With this exhibition, a circle is closed. It feels like a cherished reunion, where we encounter works that have retained their power and others that may not have been fully appreciated when first shown thirty years ago. Like people, some artworks have aged gracefully, while others have proven more relevant today than we once thought.”

    “Gärna avantgardistisk konst” promises to be a captivating journey through the bold and experimental spirit of avant-garde art, offering visitors a chance to engage with works that continue to inspire and provoke.

  • Monika Sosnowska brings to life a royal vision in Djurgården

    Written by Natalia Muntean

    Bridging past and present in a new artwork, the 2025 Artist of the Year announced by The Princess Estelle Cultural Foundation draws inspiration from royal history. Born in 1972, in Poland, Monika Sosnowska is one of Europe’s most important contemporary artists. Recognised for her architectural installations and sculptures mirroring social circumstances marked by transition, Sosnowska looks for inspiration in locations and buildings that have seen their functions changed or lost completely.

    'Museum', this year's monumental sculpture, explores a royal museum project to be created by King Karl XIV Johan, the first of the Bernadotte dynasty, in 1830, but which never materialised. Eleven marble pieces that have been waiting patiently for almost 200 years in storage will be given a second life by being integrated into six free-standing concrete structures, cast on site. The units can be seen as traces or memories of a building; a wall section, a portal, a pillar or a staircase. The five-metre-high composition is open and fragmented as if the non-existent museum were under construction or in ruins.

    “Monika Sosnowska’s sculpture for Royal Djurgården is based on a story that very few people are familiar with. We look forward to bringing history to life through this unique and magnificent installation. Karl XIV Johan’s art museum never materialised, but we are extremely grateful that Monika Sosnowska’s Museum is now being realised,” says Sara Sandström, Executive Director of the Princess Estelle Cultural Foundation.

    The work Museum for the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park will be Sosnowska’s first public work in the Nordic region and it will be inaugurated on June 3rd, 2025. Sosnowska’s works have been displayed at Centre Pompidou, Serpentine Gallery, Hayward Gallery, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Sculpture Center New York, Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst, Museum of Modern Art Warsaw and Kunstmuseum Basel, and others. Sosnowska represented Poland at the Venice Biennale in 2007 and has participated in the Biennale on several other occasions.

    The Princess Estelle Cultural Foundation (PREKS) was founded in 2019 at the initiative of the Crown Princess Couple with the mission to promote cultural activities in Sweden, highlighting the Royal Family’s conviction that art and cultural activities are essential to an open, modern society. The first five permanent artworks in the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park are by Alice Aycock, Elmgreen & Dragset, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Charlotte Gyllenhammar, and Giuseppe Penone.

  • images courtesy of Olière Paris

    Olière Paris: Redefining Haircare in Sweden with Luxury and Nature's Power

    Written by Sandra Myhrberg

    In December 2024, Olière Paris launched its exclusive haircare collection in Sweden, blending advanced science with nature's power. Backed by over 30 years of global expertise, the brand introduced premium products crafted with French precision, natural ingredients, and a focus on sustainability. Central to the range is a unique blend of 13 oils, including argan, jojoba, and grapeseed, designed to nourish, strengthen, and protect hair. Odalisque got to ask Adam Franco Westman, Brand manager Europe of Olière some questions.

    How does Olière Paris’ brand philosophy align with the Swedish consumer mindset?
    Sweden is known for its deep connection to nature, environmental consciousness, and health, alongside a love for modern aesthetics. Olière Paris embodies these values by combining care, science, and nature. The brand has developed products based on natural oils, advanced technology, and eco-friendly formulas—perfectly suited for the Swedish consumer.

    What inspired the creation of Olière Paris, and how does the fusion of “nature’s power” and advanced technology set your products apart?
    Olière Paris was inspired by the desire to provide a hair care experience that blends the best of nature and science. The natural oils sourced from nature contain vitamins, minerals, and properties that cannot be replicated in a lab. They provide nourishment and restoration, while advanced technology ensures visible results. This combination makes the brand stand out by offering products that are not only effective but also deliver a unique and transformative care experience.

    How were the 13 oils chosen, and what role do they play in achieving visible results?
    The 13 oils were carefully selected to provide the optimal balance of hydration, nourishment, and restoration. For example, argan oil smooths and nourishes, jojoba oil balances the scalp and hair, and grapeseed oil adds shine and elasticity. Each oil brings its own unique benefits, and together they ensure healthy, flexible, and radiant hair. Each product incorporates a higher concentration of specific oils tailored to its therapeutic purpose.

    Can you share more about the development process of the products?
    The development process began in 2022 with a factory in Hungary, alongside seasoned chemists specializing in hair care from France. Each product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it is not only effective but also pleasant to use, suitable for all hair types, and eco-friendly. The formulations focus on achieving the perfect balance between lightweight texture and rich nourishment. Importantly, none of the products are tested on animals.

    How were the product lines developed, and what needs do they address?
    The product lines were created after analyzing the diverse needs of various hair types:

    • Color E’clat: For colored or damaged hair, focusing on color preservation and hydration.
    • Hydra Wave: For curly hair, providing hydration, flexibility, and anti-frizz benefits.
    • Valour: For straightened hair, emphasizing repair and maintaining smoothness.
    • Studio: For professional styling solutions that enhance and nourish hair.

    These products combine nourishing oils and hydration to style and restore hair.

    How does the brand ensure its products cater to all hair types?
    Olière Paris provides personalized solutions for all hair types. The product formulas have been tested on a wide range of textures and needs—from curly and fine hair to chemically treated hair—to ensure optimal results for everyone. The current lines are divided by hair type, and additional series will be launched in 2025 to address even more needs and hair types.

    How does Olière Paris promote sustainability in its production and packaging processes?
    The production line emphasizes waste reduction and energy efficiency. Shipping packages are made from recycled cardboard, and inventory, customer membership, and marketing systems are managed electronically. Additionally, the brand aims to integrate more eco-friendly solutions into future production processes by 2025.

    What contributes to the luxurious experience Olière Paris offers?
    The luxurious experience at Olière Paris is reflected in several elements:

    • Unique formulations: Rich in natural oils and refined fragrances.
    • Elegant packaging design: Practical and sophisticated, with each item meticulously crafted. Even the brand’s custom-designed pumps provide a premium touch.
    • Effortless daily use: Products that deliver professional results at home.

    How important is collaboration with the professional salon community, particularly in Sweden?
    Collaboration with salons is a cornerstone of Olière Paris’ strategy. Salons act as a platform for professional branding and proof of effectiveness for customers seeking expert solutions. In Sweden, the salon community can serve as excellent ambassadors to share the brand’s message.

    Why was Sweden chosen as a key market, and how do you plan to expand into Scandinavia?
    Sweden was chosen because of the shared values of nature, sustainability, and aesthetics. The strategy includes strengthening digital presence, collaborating with local influencers, and participating in Scandinavian exhibitions to reach broader audiences.

    Can we expect any new innovations or product lines from Olière Paris soon?
    Absolutely! Olière Paris is soon launching a leave-in mask—a breakthrough product that combines daily care with quick and easy styling solutions.
    Additionally, a new line for normal to dry hair, offering solutions for the majority of consumers, is in development and will be based on therapeutic oils that target dryness levels. Professional styling lines are also in the works and will be revealed soon.

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