Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm – An ode to simplicity

In a world flooded with visual stimuli, the inspiring work of Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm (b. 1977) seems like a well-deserved break for the eyes. Living and working in Copenhagen and the forests of Småland, Sweden, the artist’s mission is to explore the beauty of simplicity and the subtle power of embroidery.

Halstrøm’s minimalist, hand-embroidered pieces are true masterpieces of restraint. With an appreciation for monochromatic color palettes and textured surfaces, she creates artworks that invite the viewer to take time and appreciate the details and craft process behind her seemingly simple compositions.

After graduating from the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen and studying in Stockholm and Berlin, Halstrøm established her own studio in 2007. She is also part of the creative duo INCLUDED MIDDLE, which she co-founded with textile designer Margrethe Odgaard.

Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Entity 25.220 / 2021, 50x50 cm, Linen-cotton thread on wool
Entity 25.220 / 2021, Linen-cotton thread on wool, 50×50 cm, Photo by Andreas Omvik
© Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Counting to Ten x 3.458, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 91 x 91 cm, Photo by Andreas Omvik
Counting to Ten x 3.458, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 91 x 91 cm, Photo by Andreas Omvik
© Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Low Entity 7.021, 2020, Linen/cotton thread on wool, 30 x 40 cm
Low Entity 7.021, 2020, Linen/cotton thread on wool, 30 x 40 cm, Photo by Andreas Omvik

I find it interesting to work with familiarity, openness and anonymity as topics in order to create new expressions and purposes for my objects.

Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm
© Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Divided Entity 37.260, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 51 x 71 cm, Photo via Francis Gallery
Divided Entity 37.260, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 51 x 71 cm, Photo via Francis Gallery
© Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Divided Entity 37.260, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 51 x 71 cm, Photo via Francis Gallery
Divided Entity 37.260, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 51 x 71 cm, Photo via Francis Gallery
© Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Fragmented Entity 11.275, 2021, Linen-Cotton thread on wool, 50x50 cm
Fragmented Entity 11.275, 2021, Linen-Cotton thread on wool, 50×50 cm, Photo by Andreas Omvik

With her works, Halstrøm skillfully plays with the viewer’s perception – from a distance, her square and rectangular compositions appear as solid shapes while up close, individual stitches and the technique of embroidery become visible.

The time-intensive nature of her work is a key aspect of Halstrøm’s artistic output. Through the painstaking stitches and dedication to the process of embroidery, she asks the viewer to pause and consider the emotions evoked by these contemplative works. In this way, she powerfully demonstrates that simplicity and reduction do not imply limitation, but rather offer an opportunity to look beyond the obvious. Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm is represented by Francis Gallery.

Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Counting to Ten, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 25 x 31 cm, Photo via Francis Gallery
Counting to Ten x 290, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 25 x 31 cm, Photo via Francis Gallery
Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Counting to Ten, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 25 x 31 cm, Photo via Francis Gallery
Counting to Ten x 290, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 25 x 31 cm, Photo via Francis Gallery
Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Counting to Ten, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 25 x 31 cm, Photo via Francis Gallery
Counting to Ten x 290, 2022, Wool, cotton and flax thread, 25 x 31 cm, Photo via Francis Gallery
© Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Study for larger piece, Entity 4.200, 2021, Linen-cotton thread on wool, 20 x 30 cm
© Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Study for a larger piece, Entity 4.200, 2021, Linen-cotton thread on wool, 20 x 30 cm, Photo by Andreas Omvik

Further information

http://www.chrisliljenberghalstrom.com/

https://francisgallery.co/pages/chris-liljenberg-halstrom

https://www.instagram.com/chris_l_halstrom/

Aesence is an independent art and design publication dedicated to minimalist aesthetics. Founded out of a deep appreciation and fascination, Aesence aims to promote awareness and appreciation of minimalism in art and design.