Li Gessbo talks to us about her art, answering 10 questions, using the 5 W’s

(Who, What, Where, When, Why).

WHO

Who are you?

I am a contemporary artist from Uppsala, Sweden. I am a member of the Swedish Artists’ Association and the international artist collective Paard Verzameld. As a former natural science illustrator and graphic designer I now make expressive paintings where I explore the relationship between horses and humans. The aim for me with my art is to convey a feeling and I almost always use horses as motifs: the beauty, the strength, the safety, the dreams horses bring to us. The similarities, the differences and he connection between horse and human in our world, in our senses. Horses symbolize courage and freedom.

Who are your favourite artists?

It is very difficult to single out a few. But some examples that comes to my mind are Frida Kahlo, Ida Applebroog, Franz Mark, Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat. I am also fond of street art (famous example Keith Haring). I like art that is something more than just a nice painting. 

WHAT

What themes does your art focus on?

The relationship between horses and humans. And a reflection of man’s relationship to the horse, expressed in form and color that conveys a feeling.

What is your hallmark as an artist?

Me and the canvas talk to each other in the creative process. I rarely sketch, the works often emerge intuitively. 

What music or other audio do you listen to while you work?

Usually rock, house or techno. I like heavy bass. 

WHEN

When did you decide that art was part of you and your life?

I have always created images or art in different ways. As a child I got to do murals at school, as a teenager I sold animal portraits, I trained and worked as a science illustrator and as an art teacher. When I finished as an illustrator, I felt a strong desire to be able to paint and create completely freely – so I have been doing this for a few years now. 

WHERE

Where do you work on your artwork?

I have a small studio in my home in Uppsala, Sweden.

Where would you like to see your artworks exhibited?

Everywhere I can reach many people! Although horses are almost always motifs in my art, emotions are universal and art can arouse new thoughts in everyone – I want to invite as many as possible – to give, to receive, to share.

WHY

Why do you make art?

To express myself intuitively and non-verbally, to arouse thoughts and feelings in others and get new ideas myself. It’s a part of me, I can not help it. 

Why do you think art is important in our society?

Free art is a cornerstone of democracy. People must be allowed to express themselves, and take impressions from others, without hindrance. A society without art would be a mental prison. 

Visit the Pavilion in Augmented Reality in Artinside Gallery dedicated to Li Gessbo (Sweden).

Download “Artinside Gallery+” on the App Store (for iPad and iPhone) and enjoy Li Gessbo’s Pavilion: 25 artworks come to life around you in life-size, in augmented reality!

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