• Orchestrated Characters: Raghav Babbar’s Solo Exhibition at Larsen Warner Gallery

    Written by Natalia Muntean

    Stockholm’s Larsen Warner Gallery presents Orchestrated Characters, a solo exhibition by British Indian painter Raghav Babbar, an emerging talent in contemporary art. Babbar’s work captures ordinary people and everyday moments with a depth that invites the viewer to pause and reflect.

    “He works on several paintings at the same time,” explains Darren Warner, curator of the show and director of Larsen Warner Gallery. “This is partly due to the heavy layers and detailed strokes that require drying time, but also because he needs time to reflect on his subjects, capturing their emotional depth and intricacies.”

    Drawing inspiration from films, personal photographs, and memories, Babbar’s paintings explore common yet often overlooked moments in life, while conveying emotion through rich, textured layers of oil paint. With a technique reminiscent of Lucian Freud, Babbar uses thick layers to capture expressions, creating intimate portraits that draw viewers into each character’s psychology.

    Orchestrated Characters represents Babbar’s first solo show in Stockholm and is notable for including his works on paper, with six displayed publicly for the first time. These pieces reveal his process and approach to building his paintings, as each figure gradually emerges from washes of oil paint and turpentine. Usually a private part of his process, these paper works allow him to explore ideas before he transfers them to canvas.

    Each painting in the exhibition reflects both Babbar’s Indian heritage and his life in London, where he now resides. Through this body of work, he tells stories of Indian spirituality, legends, and the scenery of North India where he grew up, bridging cultural elements from India and the West through his impeccable technique.

    Warner notes that Babbar enjoys creating portraits and self-portraits, a passion evident in this exhibition. Using light, shadow, and meticulous brushwork, Babbar conveys the essence of his subjects with sensitivity and empathy.

    Orchestrated Characters is on display at Larsen Warner Gallery until the 15th of December.

    Photos courtesy of Larsen Warner Gallery, portrait by Dan Weill, courtesy of Nahmad Projects

  • Exploring Europe’s Streetwear Tapestry with Zalando’s “Cultural Ties”

    Written by Jahwanna Berglund

    Zalando dives into the diverse and vibrant streetwear cultures of Amsterdam, Antwerp, Berlin, Paris, Stockholm, and Warsaw.

    In an age where streetwear continues to evolve beyond fashion into a bold expression of identity, Zalando’s latest initiative, Cultural Ties, takes a closer look at six unique urban scenes that are reshaping streetwear in Europe. Featuring stories straight from the communities driving these styles, the campaign brings a fresh, authentic perspective to a phenomenon that’s as much about cultural heritage as it is about personal expression.

    From Amsterdam to Warsaw, Cultural Ties connects communities through a shared love for streetwear, elevating local voices and styles while embracing each city’s distinct vibe. Berlin’s Charissa, the creative force behind the concept store and nail salon isla, offers an eclectic mix of style and spirit, while Parisian Mariana’s LGBTQ+ collective, Pulse, brings people together through music and dance. In Stockholm, Tamalie and Gloria, co-founders of the Let’s Create platform, champion innovation and local creativity. Warsaw’s Mih of newonce magazine, Antwerp’s Otto of Donnie, and Amsterdam’s groundbreaking brand The New Originals, contribute to redefining the visual and cultural codes of streetwear in their respective cities.

    Zalando’s Cultural Ties doesn’t just present these streetwear stories but immerses audiences in each city’s cultural hotspots and trending styles. With each city offering its own “must-see” locations, the initiative provides an insider’s look into the spaces that inspire local streetwear communities. Whether it’s a hidden gallery in Antwerp, a pop-up café in Stockholm, or an open-air market in Berlin, each destination showcases Europe’s streetwear diversity in full colour.

    Community at the Core: A New Face of Influence

    A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Zalando reveals that local communities are becoming a more influential force in shaping streetwear style than celebrities. In cities like Warsaw and Paris, around 27% of respondents said their local scene was their primary style influence, compared to only 19% who cited social media influencers. This speaks to a growing trend where community-driven style and local identity take precedence over commercialised fashion trends, with younger generations in particular gravitating towards authentic, community-centred style.

    Connecting Culture, Fashion, and Identity

    According to Zalando’s Daniela Klaeser, “Streetwear is more than just style; it’s a cultural code. It’s about who we are, what we stand for, and where we come from.” The initiative aims not to dictate but to celebrate the individuals and communities that define these styles, reinforcing a global cultural connection through Europe’s creative, boundary-pushing streetwear culture.

    Cultural Ties is live now on Zalando’s platform, inviting everyone to explore, celebrate, and connect through the vibrant streetwear communities of Europe.

    www.zalando.com

  • photography Jeanette Wester

    Jeanette Wester's Audiovisual Transformation of Centralbadet

    Written by Ludmila Christeseva by Oliwia

    Jeanette Wester's Audiovisual Transformation of Centralbadet

    In honor of Stockholm Centralbadet’s 120th anniversary, artist Jeanette Wester has reimagined the spa experience, transforming it with an immersive audiovisual installation that invites visitors to become part of the artwork itself. Trained in set design and architecture, Wester’s work melds digital projections with the organic shapes of Centralbadet, creating a space that feels alive and ever-evolving.

    A Living Artwork
    Wester’s installation, displayed in the Salongsbadet, allows visitors to interact with the art, immersing themselves in a world of projected light, shadow, and water. White spheres drift through the pool, casting reflections that respond to the architecture and each visitor’s movements. This interaction shifts the experience from passive observation to active participation. “In this environment, people aren’t just watching—they are part of the work,” Wester explains. “They become whole with the art.”

    Merging Wellness and Art
    Wester’s vision extends beyond the visual to connect art with wellness, enhancing the atmosphere of Centralbadet’s iconic interior dedicated to health and relaxation. “I believe in blending art with wellness,” Wester shares. “By combining these elements, we offer people a fuller experience of the space.” The pool, with its rounded, flowing forms, becomes a canvas that embraces both health and artistic exploration, inviting spa-goers into a scene that is both calming and deeply evocative.

    A Personal Connection and Profound Themes
    Inspired by her own wellness practices, Wester views art in spas and swimming pools as a way to create shared moments of beauty and connection. Her work brings out emotions that can be both healing and introspective. “The water has a way of drawing out memories and meaning,” she says. “For some, it’s about coping with loss; for others, it’s about reflecting on environmental change. There’s a beauty to the installation, but also something deeper within.”

    As Centralbadet celebrates this milestone, visitors leave with not only a refreshed body but also a sense of connection, joy, and introspection. Wester’s installation creates a serene yet thought-provoking atmosphere, blending tradition with modern artistic expression—an ideal tribute to 120 years of health, wellness, and community.

    As the holiday season approaches, the artist shared her future plans, highlighting upcoming projects designed to engage with unique architectural spaces and seamlessly blend contemporary art. Wester’s art map includes a range of spa, wellness, and social destinations, such as the exclusive Soho House in Los Angeles, set for spring 2025, and the World Expo in Osaka. At each location, she aims to explore innovative ways to harmonize art within the challenges and nuances of each environment, creating immersive, context-sensitive experiences.

    images courtsy artist / photography Janina Folke
    images courtsy artist / photography Janina Folke
    images courtsy artist / photography Janina Folke

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