Sorry slightly later than usual, but it seems everyone is on deadlines and I got a new puppy who has been keeping me busy! (see Instagram for further evidence…).

Anyway, welcome to Episode 3 of 4×4, my art feature where I ask 4 women, 4 questions about their favourite artwork – both in their homes and their dreams. I’m curious about the personal connections people make with art and what leads to the art becoming part of their home life.

I’m delighted to welcome 4 successful and stylish women, Alexandra Miro of Alexandra Miro swimwear, Vikki of Style&Minimalism blog, Chloe of Loulou de Saison and Nathalie Martin of Whoastyle blog. Read on to find out more about their favourite artworks and discover which artist is the most popular name this episode…

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Alexandra Miro

ALEXANDRA MIRO IS A SWIMWEAR DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF HER EPONYMOUS LABEL  WWW.ALEXANDRAMIRO.COM

It is a huge piece and elicits a strong reaction from anyone who encounters it.

Q1: What is your favourite artwork and where is it from?  My favorite artwork is ‘Hey Buster! What Do You Know About Desire’ by Swedish photographer Annika von Hausswolff. I saw it at the ICA and was immediately transfixed by it. My father bought it for me.

Q2: Why do you love it? It is so moody and evocative. I love the dulcet tones of the landscape offset by the bright pop of yellow. There is a real story behind it with the dog nobly guarding the body on the beach. It is a huge piece and elicits a strong reaction from anyone who encounters it. I don’t find it depressing but many of my friends do!

Q3: Where does it live in your home? Unfortunately we have moved out of our house while it is being renovated, so it is currently in storage. But it will regain centre stage in our living room once we move back in.

Q4: If money were no object, which piece of art would you buy? That is such a hard question. I really love the work of Chantal Joffe, as a woman painter I feel I can relate to her pieces. But if money was no object I would probably like a Kusama pumpkin and a large garden where it could it sit.

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CHLOE

CHLOE IS A FASHION CONSULTANT AND FOUNDER OF THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL AND INSANELY STYLISH INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT  LOULOU DE SAISON.

There is such a powerful expression of freedom emanating from the picture.

Q1: What is your favourite artwork and where is it from? My favourite artwork is of Venice Beach Rock Festival by the reporter Dennis Stock. I got it from the Magnum Gallery.

Q2: Why do you love it? The reason why I love it so much is because there is such a powerful expression of freedom emanating from the picture. It was taken in 1968, at a Rock festival, and the fact that we see a woman raising her hand is even more meaningful.

Q3: Where does it live in your home? It’s a picture I hung in my living room.

Q4: If money were no object, which piece of art would you buy? If money was no issue, I would be the happy owner of a Rothko. I could stare at his paintings for hours; the colours or absence of colours mesmerise me and their energy resonates in my mind.

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STYLE&MINIMALISM

VIKKI PEARSON IS A DESIGNER AND THE FOUNDER OF THE BEAUTIFUL BLOG  STYLE&MINIMALISM 

I love that it’s a really simple and calming design, as well as the beautiful muted colours.

Q1: What is your favourite artwork and where is it from? Its from an Australian graphic designer and artist called Samantha Totty. I met her when she was living in London and she gave me the print as a thank you for helping her find work here.

Q2: Why do you love it? I’ve always been into abstract art and I love that it’s a really simple and calming design, as well as the beautiful muted colours. I also love the fact that it was made by a young independent artist who’s super talented. I’d buy all her prints if I could.

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WOAHSTYLE

NATHALIE MARTIN FOUNDED HER CANADIAN LIFESTYLE BLOG WOAHSTYLE IN 2014 AND HAS QUICKLY BECOME RECOGNISED AS A GLOBAL TASTEMAKER AND BEAUTY EXPERT

I’M AN ATHEIST BUT WAS RAISED CATHOLIC AND I FIND RELIGIOUS IMAGERY VERY FASCINATING

Q1: What is your favourite artwork and where is it from? My favourite piece is called ‘The Mocking of Christ by Manet’. My brother German Shible is an illustrator and he made prints of this piece for my late grandmother, my mum and myself.

Q2: Why do you love it? While I’m atheist, I was raised Catholic and so I find religious imagery very fascinating. A few years ago my brother, my husband and a friend of ours took a road trip 5 hours northeast of our city for a Caravagio exhibit that lived up to our expectations. It’s rare that happens isn’t it? I love the renaissance period so I’m naturally drawn to the ‘The Crucifixion of Christ’. I have a few of my brothers’ works printed and framed in my home but this one is my favourite.

Q3: Where does it live in your home? In my living room, hanging right above my couch. I look at it every time I enter the room.

Q4: If money were no object, which piece of art would you buy? Probably a Rothko. I must have been a pre-teen when I discovered his work and it inspired me to get into art and paint for myself. I was an angsty little teen so I started gravitating towards complex artwork with dark undertones.

There was an entire wing of abstract expressionist works at the same gallery that held the Caravaggio exhibit. They had so many Rothko paintings I couldn’t believe it! It was such a special moment and the wing was empty because everyone was viewing the Carravaigo exhibit. That was a treat I’ll never forget. Almost like owning a Rothko just for a moment.