You might know me as a visual artist specializing in floral window art. I get inspiration everywhere to lighten up not only windows, but entire streets, and—as a consequence—the faces of people. Flowers make people feel good. That counts for real natural flowers, which I adore, and for the flowers in use in my profession and passion: painted ones. I cheer up environments to make people, including myself, happy and reconnect with nature. This is my latest project in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, where I have lived for many years.
La La Lilac in Tivoli Gardens
Pastel purple flowers, inspired by delicate lilac blooms, now grace one of Copenhagen’s most central locations—right across from the main train station. These painted blooms have transformed the windows of the florist workshop space at Nimb Hotel and the entrance to the world-famous Tivoli Gardens. 'La La Lilac' is on display during the Tivoli Flower Festival 2024. This vibrant window artwork brings a refreshing touch of nature to the city, brightening up the streets and infusing Copenhagen’s urban landscape with floral elegance.
As an artist specializing in transforming windows with floral paintings, my goal is to spread positive energy—or "floral feelings," as I like to call them. I always approach each project with a site-specific mindset, considering the unique aspects of the location, including its surroundings, architecture, and how light interacts with the space. For the florist workshop at Nimb Hotel, I knew the windows were somewhat dark, so I chose a light, pastel color to ensure the flowers would stand out against the cityscape.
I selected a soft, pale purple inspired by lilacs to complement the Nimb Hotel’s luxurious and refined design. The lilac-inspired flowers are bold yet understated, making a statement that enhances rather than overwhelms. They’re visible from afar but maintain a softness that aligns perfectly with the hotel’s elegant ambiance.
Freestyle on Location
Before arriving on site, I sketched a basic outline of the project and practiced brushstrokes and the size and shape of the flowers in my outdoor studio. However, I always leave space to freestyle on location to respond intuitively to the space, creating designs that respond to the surroundings rather than ignore them. This approach allows the process to feel more playful and alive.
Over three days, I painted more than 20 square meters of lilac flowers, bringing vibrancy to the windows of Nimb’s flower workshop. This space, integral to the hotel’s floral displays, provided an inspiring backdrop that seamlessly blended the art of floristry with the beauty of painted blooms.
Floral art on windows is more than just decoration—it has a profound impact on the cityscape. It uplifts the spirits of those who see it and adds a touch of nature to the urban environment. Studies show that even artistic representations of flowers can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, offering a boost of joy.
By introducing a touch of nature into urban environments, floral window art doesn’t just beautify—it connects us to nature, uplifts our mood, and reminds us of the simple joys that flowers bring into our lives.
Tip: To see more of my work, follow me on Instagram @jolykke.
