When Copenhagen was still in the midst of its dark Scandinavian winter nights, artist Johanne Lykke was already looking forward to the light. To the period of floral festivities in spring and summer. This all starts with the first global flower day of the year: Valentine's Day.
Therefore, she shows how she had already made an advance on this year's Day of Love. This is how Lykke helped the people of Copenhagen through the winter with her art as an early ode to all lovers around the world.
Hot-Red Energy in Copenhagen
There's a burst of hot-red energy lighting up the streets of Copenhagen. On the window facade of Steel House, a luxury hostel downtown, Danish artist Johanne Lykke painted the town red – literally!
In color psychology, red provokes the strongest emotions of any color. Red is connected to the heart, and we all know it as the color of love. Using bold strokes and vibrant red hues of naphthol red, Lykke has turned the windows into a giant bouquet of big red flower hearts.
A Perfect Canvas
“A window is the perfect canvas because once painted it transforms its surroundings which makes you see the world in a new light,” she says. But the painted flowers aren't just decorations; they carry a deeper intention. It's a reminder that love is always present, even in the most unexpected places.
As people walk around the corner, they are greeted by the unexpected sight of the radiant flowers on the windows. "A very similar feeling to when you find love, right? Sometimes it’s just around the next corner. When you least expect it. Cheesy but so true," Lykke laughs.
But what makes these flowers truly special is how they interact with their surroundings. As sunlight kisses the window panes in the cold Copenhagen mornings, the vibrant red hues spill into the space of the hostel. And as the day turns into night, the magic only grows. On the sidewalks, the red floral reflections spread out playful floral shapes, adding a touch of whimsy to the bustling cityscape.
And indeed, as passersby pause to admire the glowing blooms, there's a sense of warmth and connection that fills the air, turning an ordinary moment of walking into something truly magical.
Photo credits to Amanda Hjernø.
