• image courtsy by artist / photography Albrecht Fuchs

    Isabella Ducrot

    Written by Sandra Myhrberg

    Odalisque had the opportunity to ask some questions to Isabella Ducrot, who lives and works in Rome. Known for her innovative use of woven textiles as the foundation of her paintings, Ducrot began her artistic career later in life. Through her extensive travels in Asia, she has amassed a remarkable collection of antique fabrics from Turkey, India, China, Tibet, and Afghanistan, which often feature prominently in her work. She is currently exhibiting at Gallery Belenius in Stockholm.

    You began your career as an artist in your fifties, which is unconventional. What inspired you to start creating art later in life?
    I just did it—no clear reasons came to mind.

    You grew up in Naples during a turbulent time in history. How did your childhood and the experience of war shape your artistic sensibilities?
    Not at all. For children, what happens is normal. I thought war was a normal condition.

    What inspires you?
    Everything!

    Your work often incorporates textiles and paper. How did your extensive travels and the collection of rare fabrics influence your choice of materials and themes?
    The quality of textiles was very important—the colors, the textures, the decorations. But little by little, I understood that my main interest was in the texture, not the decoration. It’s the same with paper; for me, the quality of the paper is what matters.

    What was it like to work with Dior? What is your view on fashion?
    Working with Dior was very, very interesting. Their attention to historical traditions means a great deal to me. Fashion is important for understanding a society; it’s like a mirror reflecting the aesthetic history of a country.

    Do you consider yourself a feminist? If so, how has that perspective influenced your art and shaped your view of society?
    I never forget that I am a woman, and after that, I am a feminist. I’m very interested in feminine language.

    What kind of response did you receive at Frieze Masters in London earlier this fall?
    I’m extremely excited about Frieze Masters 2024.

    How much do you work, and what do you dream of for the future?
    I work every day, with great pleasure, and have no specific plans for the future.

    Do you have any advice for younger artists?
    Read, study, and annoying yourself.

    What does the future hold for your art, and how do you hope your legacy will be remembered?
    It’s not a concern for me. I’m not anxious about the destiny of my works.

    2024 by Isabella Ducrot / Belenius
    On view
    08.11 – 07.12.2024

    Isabella Ducrot, Abito Grande I 2024

    courtsy of the Artist / Belenius Gallery 

    Isabella Ducrot, Abito Grande II 2024

    courtsy of the Artist / Belenius Gallery

    Isabella Ducrot, Checkered Dress 2024

    courtsy of the Artist / Belenius Gallery

    Isabella Ducrot, Tenderness VI 2024

    courtsy of the Artist / Belenius Gallery

    Isabella Ducrot, Checkered Dress II 2024

    courtsy of the Artist / Belenius Gallery

  • 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

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