An Unapologetically Feminist View of the Artistry of Karin Bergöö Larsson

Told by her husband, Carl Larsson, to stop fine painting upon marriage, Karin Bergöö Larsson poured her creativity into traditional women's arts (hemslojd):  textiles, decorative painting, and furniture design.  Her eight children and her home wove a rich, beautiful tapestry of Swedish home life.  

This is known worldwide because, ironically, her husband's most famous paintings are of that home. 

Their philosphy and artistic expression became an icon of Swedish country life -- so much so that --- who don't know their name know their paintings.

Their marriage of form and function -- the creation of a flourishing life -- is icnonic Swedish -- hemslojd or home arts is more than interior design.  

It's art on top of function - or function that needs art.  

Karin's evocative expression drew upon folk art- the art of the people.  

Rustic forms and elemental motifs were married with --- technique:  flowers, hearts, ribbons, folk sayings adorned the home.  

Over 100 years later, the Larssons' preserved home is a Swedish culturalsite and top tourist destination. 

By all accounts the Larssons had a happy marriage.  But I have to wonder at Karin's private feelings about her husband's ascent in the public sphere while she was sublimated to the private.  On visiting the Larsson home, it surprised me to see that Carl had his own room, with the bed centered in the middle. 

While Karin tended, undoubtedly, to her many children's night sleep, Carl was to be left undisturbed.  It's a stark physical symbol of a common practice, even now.  Don't disturb the man's slumber so that he can do the serious work.

The irony, after all, is that Karin and the world she created, quietly shines forth in Larsson's paintings.  Her art, pushed to the private sphere, reverberates loudest across the landscape of Swedish culture.  Carl beautifully captures the DNA that Karin generated; the heritage of which is felt generations on in Swedish design.