Scandinavian Folk Designs (Dover Pictorial Archive)

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Folk art is also usually characterized by its style being very specific to its culture of origin. In the case of Sweden, the approach to folk art was particularly unique because of its relative isolation from outside influences given how far north it was from Europe. Curator of Nordic Museum Brings Swedish Folk Art to Life Drawing Scandinavian folk may look easy, as the designs are rather simple and contain a lot of straightforward shapes.

The Borre Viking style was named after the discovery of bronze bridle mounts from a ship’s grave in the Borre Mound Cemetery located in Borre in Vestfold County, Norway. This style is a continuation of the previous style with similarities in the Viking design, however, there are also notable differences compared to the previous style.Online marketplaces such as Etsy, Redbubble, and Zazzle sell a huge range of Scandinavian folk art products, including vintage and contemporary pieces, from independent artists and designers. Multerland (CC) The Constructivist movement viewed art as part of the social structure and used it as tool to communicate political and social messages. Some of the movement’s most famous artists were Vladimir Tatlin, Alexander Rodchenko, El Lissitzky, Malevich, Wassily Kandinsky (who later taught at Bauhaus) and the Stenberg brothers, Georgii and Vladimir, names still well known among graphic designers today. Participating heavily in public events and partially supported by the ruling political parties, they celebrated new technologies and machine art. Left: Composition With Red, Yellow and Blue, Piet Mondrian, 1937–4. The following is from a review of the exhibition “Anxiety and Desire: Surrealism in Scandinavia 1930–1950.” The author, Ausra Larbey, explains how social views within Nordic countries affected the popularity and acceptance of art movements: Ironically, their revolutionary perspective found little understanding in workers’ environment. One saw Surrealism as expression of bourgeois individualism, dealing exclusively with intellectual problems of overclass. It was perceived as an immoral and egoistic form of art, self-absorbed and decadent. The rejection was so strong that artists moved away from abstract surrealism towards more naturalistic figurative style, and later in interviews denied they ever were Surrealists.

However, the period in which he struggled the most is also when he produced his most famous artwork, including “ The Scream” (originally called Der Schrei der Natur– The Scream of Nature). Folk music in Iceland has been used for centuries to tell stories, convey cultural traditions and express the unique character of the country and its people.

The other Nordic countries also have their folk art traditions with recognisable styles and designs. Finnish folk art Scandinavian folk art, on the other hand, is the art that reflects the cultural heritage and everyday life of the Scandinavian people.

However, her work is considered to have helped establish the neo-romantic style in Norwegian art, particularly with “ A Japanese Lantern”. Edvard Munch (1863-1944) One of the primary characteristics of this style is seen on the large-scale runestones called the Jelling Stones, which were discovered in Jelling town. These stones have become the cornerstones of the Mammen style due to the significant motif referred to as the “Great Beast”. Scholarly sources indicate it derives from Celtic and Early Christian influences. The figures may, in fact, be representations of the god Cernunnos from Celtic mythology who is often depicted as sitting in a lotus-like posture. The decorated torso also derives from similar Celtic designs.

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But do you know about the roots of this art form and how it became so popular? What is Scandinavian folk art?

Scandinavian folk art is quite particular in the sense that there are similar themes displayed in the pieces. Common elements of Scandinavian folk art include: The Academy of Arts at UiT offers bachelor and master-level degrees in fine art, as well as one-year courses. The Academy also has close connections with other art institutions in Tromsø, including the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum and the Tromsø Kunstforening. In the late Middle Ages the Viking power was gradually extinguishing. Thus, Scandinavia no longer was the land of warriors. Instead, it became the land of farmers. More peaceful, nature-related motifs overtook the folk art. Works of artisans were full of flower, bird and human motifs. These often referred to Scandinavian tales, legends and fables. Such patterns also appear on Swedish flat-weave rugs or shaggy Ryas. Their simplicity doesn’t make them less heartwarming. On the contrary – it gives them timeless beauty. This instantly recognizable folk art is so elegant and alluring that its popularity is raising rather than fading. Vintage Scandinavian rugs are the apple of the eye of design aficionados and beauty-seekers around the world. These works of art perfectly match contemporary interiors.

How to draw Scandinavian folk art 

Other objects from this style include the Gold Spur with the “ring-chain” pattern on it – a pattern characteristic of this style. The “ring-chain” pattern is also called “ring-braid” and appears as various intertwining and interlacing circles.