ART MEETS FASHION WITH BJÖRN WETTERLING
Björn Wetterling not only collects art, he has an eye for stylish fashion, designed by himself. We visited his Stockholm home full of iconic furniture pieces such as Le Corbusier and Keith Haring.
BJÖRN IN OH-12
WHAT’S YOUR MOST INTERESTING ARTIST RIGHT NOW?
It’s always our most current exhibition. Jim Dine is next up followed by Nathalia Edenmont. I admire Frank Stella. Both him and Jim are consistent in their language. They have done their thing and said fuck you to everyone else. That’s important with art, not to follow trends. I don’t like his art, but Lars Vilks is also consistent making his sculptures in Skåne.
WHAT SHOW ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Linda Bäckström’s show and I’m also looking forward to our 40th anniversary this year where we will exhibit one piece each by the artists we represent. It will be a nice reflection of what we have achieved throughout the years.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Visiting Frank Stella’s studio and brother artist duo Mike and Doug Starn’s studio in New York for the first time was incredible. “If they can, I can” was the feeling I had. It’s overwhelming because it’s so big. New York is the best city in the world when it comes to art, whether you like it or not.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE GALLERY?
There are lots of them, but Gagosian Gallery in New York is up there at the top. Having started our as a poster salesman he does the impossible. It’s no doubt the best gallery in the world.
BJÖRN IN OH-12
FAVOURITE MUSEUM?
Museum of Modern Art in New York.
YOUR MOST VIVID ART EXPERIENCE?
There are so many. But visiting Robert Rauchenberg’s studio, and meeting with James Rosenquist – these are fantastic events that few people get to experience.
WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO FASHION? YOU DESIGN YOUR OWN SUITS. WHEN DID THAT INTEREST START?
I started designing clothes early on, but never turned it in to a brand. When it comes to my own style I started out with a thing for vintage ties in the 1980s, then belts, then socks. I have personal tailor in Singapore who makes my shirts and trousers after my design. Men in general dress so dull – it’s blue, black or brown. It’s hideous. I hate uniforms. I don’t fit in tuxedos. I guess I’m a bit of an exhibitionist. Perhaps a form of revolt, a way of being visible when young. I think my clothes look great, it’s as simple as that. I don’t own black or brown shoes. Men should wear more colour. Women often compliment my style, whereas men get put off, wearing their fucking black shoes, with black socks – grey at the most.
BJÖRN IN OH-12
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE GARMENT?
I don’t have one.
FAVOURITE DESIGNER?
Issey Miyake, Shanghai Tang and Yohji Yamamoto, they are great designers. I used to like Armani but not anymore. In my world Issey Miyake is the best fashion designer in the world.
