Photo: Studio Andreas Johansson.
Bukowskis is proud to introduce a creative collaboration with Claes Juhlin, aspiring collector and art enthusiast. Known for his highly personal and well-curated Instagram account @claesjuhlin; now exclusively presenting a curated selection from Bukowskis forthcoming Modern Art + Design auction. We couldn´t be happier about the results shown in these pictures, inspiring and absolutely stunning work! The images are shot by photographer Andreas Johansson, @studioandreasjohansson.
How did your interest for vintage design specifically from the early 1900’s start?
Initially, my interest for interior design came from my parents, especially my departed father who was very interested in design. I have plenty of things at home that he bought for himself when he was in my age. The fact that I am mainly interested in furniture from the 1920s, 30's and 40's is something that came later in my life. I am very attracted to the breakpoint when one style overlaps another. The transition from decorative Swedish Grace to strict functionalism is one of the best examples. Also, I grew up in Härjedalen and recently found some old pictures of myself when I was just a few years old, sitting on a chair by Axel Einar Hjorth in a mountain hut drinking hot chocolate. Later on chairs like these have now been sold at Design fairs such as TEFAF on Park Avenue, New York. A fascinating trip to say the least.
As an aspiring collector and enthusiast, do you act on intuition or do you have a strategy when buying vintage design?
I am interested in idioms, material and craft. These parameters will collectively determine what then leads to the so-called gut feeling. In addition, if there is an interesting provenance or historical significance, it’s a deal. That is, if I can afford it. Most things that I buy do not even fit at home. They are restored and then put into storage, which could sound a bit boring. However, I like the idea of them being there, taken care of. One day, I might have room for some of the things, or maybe some of the objects will be sold to another enthusiast.
You have a highly appreciated Instagram account @ClaesJuhlin where you share photos of inspiring existing environments/setting. Last week you curated some photos for Bukowskis with selected objects from the Modern Art + Design auction, how did you conceive, and do you notice a difference in terms of engagement in posts with interior design versus posts focused on an art piece?
The difference is very big. If I write 1500 characters of how I interpret the message in a Richard Prince painting with solely a picture of the work, I notice that it is primarily people from the art industry that appreciate the post. The engagement becomes somehow limited. If I post a picture of a beautifully decorated room in a striking apartment where the same painting happens to hang over the sofa, the engagement naturally becomes greater. Because of this, I feel the importance of presenting design and art united in the same context, even though they are two different things. It's an educational way to introduce meaningful and interesting art to an audience who usually perceives the subject as something abstract and inaccessible.
Claes Juhlin
Editor in chief KING Magazine, aspiring collector and design enthusiasts, now in an exclusive collaboration with Bukowskis.
Instagram account @claesjuhlin
Photo: Andreas Johansson
Bukowskis Modern Art + Design
Viewing: 17–21 May. Open: Mon–Fri 11–18, Sat–Sun kl 11–17. Sale: 22 May start 12.00 CEST.
Address: Bukowskis, Berzelii Park 1 in Stockholm. Read more about the sale >