ARTIST STATEMENT
My creative process begins in stillness. Each painting unfolds intuitively, guided by a sensitivity to balance, texture, and tone. Inspiration often arises from quiet observation—light shifting across a surface, the raw beauty of natural materials, or the gentle rhythm found in imperfection.
I work in layers, allowing forms to emerge and dissolve until the composition feels calm yet alive. I use whatever materials call to me in the moment—oil, acrylics, watercolors, or handmade pigments created from iron oxides and organic sources. My practice continues to evolve as I explore traditional techniques such as egg tempera and natural binders, connecting modern expression with timeless craftsmanship.
Though abstract, my work is rooted in emotion rather than concept. Each piece carries an intention of harmony and renewal, inviting a sense of peace within the spaces it inhabits. I see my paintings as meditative landscapes—minimal yet full of quiet depth—where simplicity becomes a form of stillness.
BIO
Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, and raised in Sweden and Germany, Selma Karlsdóttir is an artist whose work explores the subtle dialogue between texture, tone, and stillness. Her multidisciplinary background spans theatre tailoring, metal craft, jewellery design, painting across multiple mediums, photography, web design, and art history. Holding a cum laude degree in Interior Design from Istituto Marangoni, Selma has lived in seven European countries—each place shaping her refined sense of balance, form, and atmosphere.
Artistic Style
Selma’s abstract paintings are studies in harmony and restraint. She works intuitively, layering pigment, texture, and movement until each piece reaches a quiet equilibrium. Her process often begins with handmade materials—paints and inks crafted from natural pigments such as iron oxides and organic sources—reflecting her respect for craftsmanship and the raw beauty of the earth. She works freely across oil, acrylic, and watercolor, and continues to explore traditional methods such as egg tempera and natural binders.
Her compositions invite contemplation rather than narrative: calm, tactile surfaces that capture the essence of impermanence and serenity. Each painting is an exploration of contrast—between depth and lightness, motion and stillness, material and emptiness.
Artistic Journey
Creativity has been an integral part of Selma’s life since childhood, nurtured by a family deeply connected to the arts. A dedicated mentor in her early years encouraged her to pursue fine art with both discipline and curiosity. After more than a decade working as an interior designer in London, Selma shifted her focus fully to painting. Now based in southern Spain, she continues to evolve her practice—exploring natural materials, subtle tonal palettes, and the meditative presence that defines her work.
CV
Born in Reykjavik, Iceland
Past residencies: Iceland, Sweden, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Portugal
Currently resides and works in Málaga, Spain
Selected Publications:
05. Investable Artists Profile / Art Market Experts - The Ultimate Guide for Art Investors & Collectors
04. Studio Visit Book Vol.4 / Arts To Hearts Take a Look Inside the Book ->
03. 2024 Interview by Contemporary Art Curator Magazine
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
15. 2024 October 11-13 / Group Exhibition / European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, ES
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.
Private commissioned collections in the Costa del Sol, Marbella region, commissioned by UDesign S.L. for their clients.
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