Liat Greenberg and the Sights of Spring

6th May 24 - By Nikolai Kotlarczyk, Writer

The work of Stockholm based artist Liat Greenberg is characterised by the haze of the sun’s glow. Fresh fruit and flowers merge through the use of watercolour’s and pastels, resulting in a practice that borders on the abstract. We talked to Liat about the feeling stirred up in spring and her love for each medium she works with.

PC:
Hi Liat. To start, can you tell me a little about your background, your practice and where you are based?

Liat:
I was born in a small town in Israel and spent most of my childhood there, except for a 5-year relocation to Brussels due to my parent's job. For the past 7 years, I have been making a home in Stockholm with my partner and our daughter. These diverse cultural experiences have deeply influenced my artistic journey. From a young age, I've been drawn to art and design, thanks to the encouragement of my parents who fostered my creativity at home. After studying fashion design in Tel Aviv, I moved to Stockholm for a job opportunity and continued painting as a personal passion. Several years later, a gallery in Stockholm expressed interest in my paintings and reached out to me through social media. Since then, my journey as an active professional artist began and today I work both as an Artist and a Fashion designer.

PC:
Do you see a connection between your background in fashion design and the colours and forms present in your art practice?

Liat:
Yes, I definitely do. I'm very glad to see the evolution of the traditional notion of studying just one profession. As humans, our talents and desires often extend far beyond narrow boundaries, and in general, I can say that this is something I've put a lot of thought into in my art and design. I've come to appreciate how design and art can actually intertwine and inspire one another, forming a symbiotic relationship that fuels creativity. Fashion, with its fast-paced and practical nature, relies on the collaboration of many talented individuals to bring ideas to life. In contrast, art, for me, is deeply personal and enduring, with the power to last a lifetime. I'm particularly drawn to the way fashion uses colors and shapes for self-expression, which serves as a central inspiration in my artistic process.

PC:
Tell me about the mediums you use within your art practice, and what you love about each of them?

Liat:
I enjoy exploring new materials and experimenting with various paints on different surfaces. While I initially favored traditional oil colors, I have grown to appreciate the unpredictable nature of watercolors and the dynamic qualities of acrylics and pastels. Now, I eagerly await any opportunity to blend these mediums, creating unique effects in my artwork.

PC:
Your work exudes the warmth and carefree nature of the spring and summer months. What is it about this time of year that inspires you and your practice?

Liat:
My passion has always centered around exploring color combinations and evoking emotions through my art. Painting has a profound impact on me, stirring feelings, dreams, and sparking excitement. Spring, in particular, resonates with me in a similar way—it brings hope, freshness, and positivity. These feelings are what I strive to surround myself with every single day, both in my art and in life.

PC:
What is your favorite art print for Paper Collective and why?

Liat:
My favorite print that I created for Paper Collective is Peaches. I'm drawn to how the peaches are rendered with a blend of abstraction and realism. It evokes thoughts of desires and dreams, as well as a sense of naivety.