THE POWER OF GREY
— STUDIO OLIVER GUSTAV
ART
A tribute to the poetic yet haunting atmospheres of the canvases of Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864-1916), designer Oliver Gustav’s studio gallery is modelled on the oil-on-canvas interior paintings of the fêted Danish artist. A self-confessed extreme minimalist, Gustav finds his own sensibilities reflected in Hammershøi’s spareness.
“I need to show objects at the studio but I’ve always preferred very pared-down spaces where I can rest my eyes. That’s why I reflect Hammershøi’s paintings. His architectural details and sharp corners were character enough.”
Exploring the impact of Hammershøi’s mastery over the limited and cold Nordic light, and how this is reflected within his own studio space, Gustav discusses his succinct homage to Hammershøi’s distinctive vision.
The story of Hammershøi’s artwork as guide for the studio of Oliver Gustav is featured in Ark Journal VOL III.
WORDS TILI BENSLEY-NETTHEIM
PHOTOGRAPHY PETER RØDSGAARD RASMUSSEN
CASE STUDY
— PERIOD PIECES
In the unique surroundings of the house created by Danish sculptor Rikard Axel Poulsen (1887-1972) furniture, lighting and homewares by contemporary designers exhibit their serene poise, the avant-garde flanked by the archaic to create layers of history.
CULTIVATING PATINA
How to create a newly built house that feels comfortably familiar and as burnished as the well-loved objects that move with the owners? Designer Elisabeth Snejbjerg and former architect now photographer Mikael Bonde after 25 years in Copenhagen moved to the country near Aarhus to a house they designed and built among trees.
BACKYARD REFUGE
Small but perfectly matched, two residences in a courtyard are reduced to the essentials using quality materials and maximum light to create welcoming tranquillity.
THE POWER OF GREY — STUDIO OLIVER GUSTAV
ART
A tribute to the poetic yet haunting atmospheres of the canvases of Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864-1916), designer Oliver Gustav’s studio gallery is modelled on the oil-on-canvas interior paintings of the fêted Danish artist. A self-confessed extreme minimalist, Gustav finds his own sensibilities reflected in Hammershøi’s spareness.
“I need to show objects at the studio but I’ve always preferred very pared-down spaces where I can rest my eyes. That’s why I reflect Hammershøi’s paintings. His architectural details and sharp corners were character enough.”
Exploring the impact of Hammershøi’s mastery over the limited and cold Nordic light, and how this is reflected within his own studio space, Gustav discusses his succinct homage to Hammershøi’s distinctive vision.
The story of Hammershøi’s artwork as guide for the studio of Oliver Gustav is featured in Ark Journal VOL III.
WORDS TILI BENSLEY-NETTHEIM
PHOTOGRAPHY PETER RØDSGAARD RASMUSSEN