This week, I paid a visit to my good friend and Swedish import Hanna Liden at Maccarone Gallery, where her absolutely stunning show is currently on exhibit. I first met Hanna a million years ago in college at Parsons. Before we were friends, I remember seeing her around campus always dressed in the same thing: a denim jacket, denim shirt, denim pants, and motorcycle boots. Hanna’s day-to-day continuity gave me a genuine sense of comfort and serenity as an awkward 18-year-old. Although we didn't remain strangers for too long, that memory has stayed with me for over a decade and, I feel, is a good analogy for this show. Photographs show flowers posed in makeshift vases, pink roses in a worn motorcycle boot (I’m pretty sure they're the same ones from college), orange tulips in an orange Gatorade bottle, or sunflowers in a black deli bag. There is a reliable comfort and serenity in the uncommon pairings that evokes feelings of harmony and relief. It’s a reflection of Hanna’s razor-sharp wit, her knack for playful juxtapositions, and her masterful eye for composition.
Name: Hanna Liden
Hometown: Burbs of Stockholm
When did you move to NY? Summer of 1998, straight into the Chelsea Hotel
What look are you into at the moment? Same as always. Black jeans and T-shirts. On me and others.
Do you have any favorite places to shop? Gap and airports
Tell us about your current show at Maccarone. It's all flower photographs.
The photographs are images of sculptures you composed. Can you tell us about the objects and specific combinations of objects you chose to photograph? It's all from the deli.
In the past, sculpture has played a big role in your work. Can you tell us why you focused mainly on photography in this show? 'Cause I'm a photographer.
The images appear to be centered around balance, both compositionally and in terms of the objects they depict. Did you want to explore the juxtaposition of nature versus the urban landscape? It's all about the deli.
Do you have any special habits while working? I walk to my studio, and then I just sit and wait until I do it. Then I do it. Then it's done.
Do you have any specific influences—other artists, films, music, books… I love Werner Herzog.
Do you ever collaborate with other artists? Sometimes with my sister Klara. Like, twice.
What’s next on the horizon for you? Nothin', nothin' at all
Hanna Liden wears the Opening Ceremony & Magritte Sheherazade reversible bomber jacket and the blow to the heart vans canvas sneakers. Photos by Matthew Kelly
