Hanna Kastl-Lungberg
We have been obsessed with Hanna Kastl-Lungberg’s work for a few years now, secretly stalking her on Instagram.
All the work she puts up is impeccable and we cannot get enough of her. So we asked a few burning questions.
Briefly introduce yourself.
I’m from Gothenburg, on the Swedish west coast. I studied design with a focus on sustainability at university in a small city in southern Sweden and when I graduated I went to Los Angeles for the first time and I felt right at home. It’s been over two years since that trip and now I go here as much as I can—making art, spending time with my boyfriend and gathering inspiration.
How did you discover your art style?
When I started making art in late 2015 I didn’t really know what I was doing or what my style was, but I guess that’s what everybody goes through at least at one point. So I would sit every day for hours just making whatever I was inspired to make at the time. I was daydreaming about California and you could see that very clearly in what I was creating. With time, simple shapes and patterns turned more complex and I was inspired by new things and started using different colors than before and I suppose my art grew just like I did.
“I’m very influenced by The Memphis Group and everything Ettore Sottsass designed between the ’70s and ’90s. I also appreciate the 60’s and especially Danish designer Verner Panton and his idea of designing with fun in mind rather than functionality.”
What are your art influences?
I’m very influenced by The Memphis Group and everything Ettore Sottsass designed between the ’70s and ’90s. I also appreciate the 60’s and especially Danish designer Verner Panton and his idea of designing with fun in mind rather than functionality. For long time architects, designers and manufacturers focused entirely on the function of objects. They came out looking sleek but kind of bland. Eventually, people got tired of it. The postmodern era brought artists and designers who chose to see beyond this and instead create pieces that were aesthetically pleasing and simply fun. This is what inspires me the most!
What role does color play in your art?
Color is a huge part of my work. I’ve started to do more black and white stuff lately but that’s only because my shapes have evolved and it can be interesting even though there’s just one shade. But it’s still extremely important for me and I choose colors very carefully. My favorite combination is red and pink, which you’ll probably see me using the most.
“I see ‘white space’ in my photos just as I see it in my art, and then focus the object or objects around that and make sure that everything relates to each other. ”
How does your art influence your photography style?
It has helped me develop a very good eye for details and composition. I see “white space” in my photos just as I see it in my art, and then focus the object or objects around that and make sure that everything relates to each other.
“And never be afraid to reach out to companies that you believe would like your style, just to show them you exist so that they can keep you in mind for future projects and collaborations.”
You have collaborated with many brands. What are some tips artist should know to get to this point?
I think the only advice I can give here is to keep creating and keep putting it out there for people to see—it’s gotta be easy to find you. And never be afraid to reach out to companies that you believe would like your style, just to show them you exist so that they can keep you in mind for future projects and collaborations.
What’s next for you? Where is your art is going next? Any exhibition in the future?
I have yet to do art in Sweden. I have one street art project coming up in my hometown and I hope that will lead to more because I’d love to be a part of making Sweden more beautiful, colorful and inspiring. And to contribute to growing the art scene out there.
Written by Diane Lindquist