KLARA KRISTALOVA
b. 1967, CzechiaSelected to represent the Nordic Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, Klara Kristalova is a renowned Czech-born sculptor.
Born in 1967 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Kristalova moved to Sweden with her parents at the age of one and currently resides and works in Norrtälje, Sweden. Her artistic journey began with studies at the Royal University College of Fine Arts in Stockholm, where she graduated in 1994.
Kristalova is known for her enigmatic and fantastical ceramic works that delve into themes of transformation, anxiety, and the subconscious. Kristalova’s sculptures often feature adolescent figures, blending elements of nature and mythology, drawing inspiration from traditional myths and fairy tales. Her use of ceramics, particularly a deliberately imperfect Meissen porcelain technique, adds a layer of fragility and impermanence to her works. This blend of the beautiful and the unsettling invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of constant change and uncertainty.
In 2025, Klara Kristalova was announced to represent the Nordic Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, alongside Benjamin Orlow and Tori Wrånes. This exhibition, curated by Anna Mustonen, will explore Nordic mythologies within broader global contexts, focusing on themes of identity, cultural survival, and gender equality. The Nordic Pavilion, shared by Norway, Sweden, and Finland, offers a platform for these artists to weave together local narratives with international perspectives.
Klara Kristalova FAQs
Where was Klara Kristalova born?
Klara Kristalova was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1967.
What medium does Klara Kristalova work with?
Kristalova primarily works with ceramics, often using a Meissen porcelain technique.
What themes does Klara Kristalova explore in her work?
Kristalova draws heavily from traditional myths and fairy tales, incorporating elements that reflect the complexities of human experience. Her sculptures often depict figures undergoing transformation, symbolising the fluidity of life and identity. Recent works explore the relationship between humans and nature, touching on themes of climate anxiety and environmental change.
Where does Klara Kristalova live?
Kristalova lives and works in Norrtälje, Sweden.
What exhibitions has Klara Kristalova participated in?
In addition to notable exhibitions at Perrotin and Lehmann Maupin, Kristalova’s exhibition history also includes solo exhibitions at:
- SITE Santa Fe, New Mexico (2009);
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (2011);
- Bonniers Konsthall, Stockholm (2012); and
- Goteborgs Konstmuseum, Sweden (2012), among others.
- the Moderna Museet, Stockholm;
- Nationalmuseum, Stockholm;
- Norrköpings Konstmuseum, Sweden;
- Bror Hjorts Hus, Sweden;
- Skövde Konstmuseum, Sweden;
- Norrtälje Kommun, Sweden;
- Sundsvalls Konstmuseum, Sweden; and
- National Public Art Council, Sweden.
Ocula | 2025
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