The Art Bystander

In this episode, our host Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar turns the spotlight on two art fairs that have each shaped the mid-tier ecosystem in distinct ways.

The Affordable Art Fair, founded in London in 1999 by Will Ramsay, has grown into a global franchise with editions in over a dozen cities — from Hong Kong to Hamburg, New York to Stockholm. With its price cap of around €10,000, the fair has opened the art market to tens of thousands of new collectors and offered emerging artists a platform to reach international audiences. Representing AAF in this conversation is Carl-Wilhelm Hirsch, who has helped steward its mission of accessibility and growth.

The Volta Art Fairs, launched in Basel in 2005, are known as the “discovery fair,” championing solo presentations and younger galleries that bring experimental voices to the fore. Active today in both Basel and New York, Volta has built a reputation as the place where collectors often encounter artists just before they break through. Here, we hear from Francesca Starling, who has been instrumental in shaping Volta’s evolving vision.

Together, these two fairs embody a vital counterpoint to the mega-fairs that dominate headlines. They prioritize intimacy, accessibility, and discovery — serving as laboratories where new collector generations are nurtured and where artistic risk-taking remains possible.

As always, I’m fascinated by how the future of the art market unfolds, and conversations like this reveal how fairs at this scale — human, innovative, and open — might shape the next chapter of global collecting.

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In this episode of The Art Bystander, the host Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar, is meeting a guest who is one of the most distinctive cultural commentators of her generation: Brenda Weischer, known to many simply as BrendaHashtag.

Brenda is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose work moves fluidly between fashion and art. A graduate of Central Saint Martins in London, she has always approached fashion less as a marketplace and more as a form of cultural language and archive.

She first made her mark with Disruptive Berlin, a project that treated vintage fashion as living cultural memory. Later, during her time as Fashion Editor at 032c, she developed Brenda’s Business—a series of interviews and essays that quickly became essential reading for their fearless look at designers and creatives through the lens of philosophy, critique, and cultural storytelling.

At the same time, she built a wide audience as BrendaHashtag—a voice that is direct, unfiltered, and unmistakably her own. Her sharp commentary, minimalist aesthetic, and instinct for connecting fashion back to art, identity, and culture have made her a reference point far beyond the fashion industry.

Today, through her own podcast Brenda Awareness, she continues to create dialogues that are as much cultural reflections as they are interviews.

What fascinates me about Brenda is the clarity of her vision: she doesn’t play a role, she embodies it. She shows us how fashion, writing, and culture can merge into one continuous practice of thinking and making.

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In this episode, Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar of The Art Bystander is honored to have Camilla Engström as guest—an artist whose bold, dreamlike paintings have captured audiences around the world. Born in Örebro and now based in Los Angeles, Camilla has developed a unique visual language where landscapes, flowers, and the female form intertwine—often playful, always deeply connected to nature, and full of vitality.

This September she opens her ninth solo show with Carl Kostyál, Två Hjärtan, at Hospitalet in Stockholm. The exhibition is a true full-circle moment: her very first show with the gallery was also at Hospitalet, back in 2022, and now she returns to the newly restored space as one of their most celebrated artists.

What makes this show especially meaningful is that Camilla is expecting her first child. The works are infused with that experience—pregnancy as transformation, as mystery, as strength. As she herself has said, the presence of the female form is intentional, a way to center and give shape to this life-changing journey. After this exhibition she will take a hiatus, making Två Hjärtan the last chance for audiences to see new work from her for some time.

In today’s conversation we’ll explore her evolution as an artist, the inspirations behind her latest paintings, and how personal transformation is shaping her practice.

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In this episode of The Art Bystander, Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar is joined by Alexandre Diop — one of the most compelling and radical voices in contemporary art.

Born in Paris in 1995 to a Senegalese father and a French mother, Diop lives and works in Vienna. His practice spans painting, sculpture, and assemblage, anchored in what he calls “object-images” — emotionally charged compositions made from discarded doors, rusted metal, fabric, and street debris. His work doesn’t just recycle materials — it resurrects them. Each surface holds a memory, each gesture a call to truth, justice, and spiritual reckoning.

Diop’s art operates in the tradition of Arte Povera, but is equally shaped by his Afro-European roots, Berlin’s rave scene, and Vienna’s expressionist legacy. At once poetic and political, his works are raw, deeply autobiographical, and grounded in the belief that art should speak directly — “from the street, to the street.”

In his most recent exhibition at CFHill in Sweden In Puer Veritas, Diop enters into a bold transgenerational dialogue with Keith Haring’s subway drawings. “In puer veritas” — “in the child lies truth” — becomes a mantra for both artists’ shared commitment to radical honesty, social responsibility, and art as public testimony. Diop paints on abandoned doors as Haring once drew on subway billboards — urgent, unfiltered, and unafraid. As Diop puts it:

“Children don’t judge. They see with clarity. Haring and I create from that place — not just for children, but through them. They inherit the world we paint.”

In 2022, Diop was selected by Kehinde Wiley for the Reiffers Art Initiatives mentorship, leading to major solo exhibitions and a residency at the Rubell Museum. In 2026, he will become the youngest artist ever to have a solo show at Vienna’s Albertina Museum.

This is an artist who doesn’t just challenge the art world — he reimagines its materials, its histories, and its soul. Let’s dive in.

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The Art Bystander No27: Marcus Jansen. In this episode our host Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar, sit down with internationally acclaimed artist Marcus Jansen whose work has been exhibited at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the Smithsonian Institution, and Documenta among others. From his early years between the Bronx and Germany to serving in the U.S. Army and later becoming one of the most important painters of his generation, Jansen’s journey is as compelling as his art.

His new exhibition Faceless at CFHILL, Stockholm, in collaboration with Almine Rech and the Marcus Jansen Foundation, dissects power structures, anonymity, and the systems that shape our lives. Jansen’s raw, gestural abstraction meets a deeply political and emotional narrative, making his work a powerful lens through which to view contemporary society.

We talk about: His transition from soldier to artist; the unseen forces of control in today’s world; how his art challenges historical narratives; the intersection of street art in his practice and the socialist structure of the military.

Jansen’s work has been described as a 21st-century response to Jackson Pollock and Robert Rauschenberg, but his voice is distinctly his own—urgent, fearless, and unfiltered.

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In this episode of The Art Bystander, host Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar engages in a captivating conversation with Cristina Ljungberg, founder of the Firestorm Foundation—a non-profit organization based in Stockholm that was established in 2021 to support female and nonbinary artists while fostering inclusivity in the art world. Cristina opens up about the foundation's mission to champion underrepresented voices through impactful acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships.

The Firestorm Foundation’s impressive collection features works by groundbreaking artists including Louise Bonnet, Louise Bourgeois, Arvida Byström, Ann Böttcher, Lena Cronqvist, Cecilia Edefalk, Marie-Louise Ekman, Dame Tracey Emin, Marisol Escobar, Leyla Faye, Edith Hammar, Katrine Helmersson, Sigrid Hjertén, Josefina Holmlund, Tove Jansson, Gittan Jönsson, Barbara Kruger, Lotte Laserstein, Martina Müntzing, Cindy Sherman, Monica Sjöö, Ylva Snöfrid, Paloma Varga Weisz, Ambera Wellmann, Ulla Wiggen, Kennedy Yanko, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Hilma af Klint, and Barbro Östlihn. Each artist represents a unique perspective and contributes to the foundation’s mission of showcasing art that challenges conventions and sparks meaningful dialogue.

Cristina also shares insights into the foundation’s partnerships with leading institutions such as Moderna Museet, the Guggenheim, the Swedish Institute in Paris, and the Stockholm School of Economics. These collaborations focus on research, exhibitions, publications, and artist dialogues that amplify the foundation’s impact on the cultural landscape.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on the transformative power of art, the importance of diversity and representation in the creative sector, and the stories behind some of the most influential artists shaping contemporary culture.

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In this episode of The Art Bystander, our host Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar meets with Simon de Pury.

Simon de Pury @simondepury is a pivotal figure in the art world, celebrated as an auctioneer, art dealer, curator, photographer, and DJ. Known for his legendary auction performances, which have earned him the moniker ‘the Mick Jagger of auctions,’ de Pury combines charisma with profound knowledge of the global art market. His role as an auctioneer and art advisor has positioned him as a leading figure internationally, celebrated for his dynamic presence and exceptional expertise.

Throughout his illustrious career, de Pury has been instrumental in championing the careers of many contemporary artists, photographers, and designers. He curated the prestigious Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, now housed in its own museum in Madrid, showcasing his keen eye for art curation. His influence extends to securing and auctioning some of the most legendary art collections, both at public auctions and through private treaty sales.

De Pury’s career includes significant tenures as Chairman Europe and Chief Auctioneer Worldwide at Sotheby’s, and later as Owner, Chairman, and Chief Auctioneer Worldwide at Phillips de Pury & Company. In these roles, he elevated the profiles of these institutions and played a crucial role in shaping the modern art auction landscape. His auctioneering style, marked by energy and flair, has set him apart as a distinctive and influential figure in the industry.

Beyond auctions, Simon de Pury is known for his contributions as a curator, where his exhibitions have brought contemporary art to new audiences. Additionally, his work as a photographer and DJ highlights his versatility and deep engagement with the arts in various forms. De Pury’s influence on the art market and his dedication to fostering artistic talent have made him a pivotal figure in contemporary art.

In 2020, Simon de Pury further expanded his impact on the art world by launching de PURY @depury , an innovative auction house and digital platform. 

#simondepury #depury 

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In this unique episode of The Art Bystander, the host Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar meets with the world famous sculptors Joel Shapiro and Ugo Rondinone. They are part of a group show at Carling Dalenson Gallery together with Michael Craig-Martin, who unfortunately couldn't participate in the conversation. In the relaxed and intimate dialogue with Joel and Ugo, they touch on their role as artists, influences, background and the process of making art.

Joel Shapiro is an American sculptor celebrated for his dynamic, abstract sculptures, often resembling human figures and constructed from geometric shapes. His work is characterized by a sense of movement and balance, using materials such as wood, bronze, and cast iron. Shapiro's sculptures range in scale from small, intimate pieces to large public installations. He gained prominence in the 1970s and has since exhibited widely, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary sculpture.

Ugo Rondinone is a Swiss-born, New York-based artist known for his diverse and multimedia approach to contemporary art, incorporating sculpture, painting, video, sound, and photography. His work explores themes of nature, time, and the human condition with a poetic and meditative quality. Notable pieces include "Seven Magic Mountains" and immersive installations using light and color. Gaining recognition in the 1990s, he has exhibited internationally in major venues like the New Museum in New York and the Venice Biennale. Rondinone's blend of personal emotion with universal experiences has made him a prominent figure in contemporary art.

Established in 1994 in Stockholm, Sweden, Carling Dalenson is a private family run gallery that specializes in well-established contemporary artists from around the world.

The gallery is privileged to among the founders, Caroline D. Anchér and Isabella Dalenson, have Theodor Dalenson with more than 30 years experience from the institutional art world and a former board member of Guggenheim Foundation and Museum, Aspen Art Museum, Americans for the Arts, and who together with Isabella Dalenson was co-chairman of the National Art Awards for a number of years. More recently Theodor is the head of Moderna Museets advisory board. 

Exhibitions include artists that the Carling Dalenson family has collected and supported such as Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol, as well as living artists such as Frank Stella, Vera Lutter, Robert Mangold, Joel Shapiro, Michael Craig-Martin, Ian Davenport and Ross Bleckner.

A limited number of curated exhibitions within contemporary art, are shown in Carling Dalensons Stockholm Gallery at Sibyllegatan 49.

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In this episode of The Art Bystander, our host Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar meets with Nicolas Hugo, the now leader of Ateliers Hugo.

Ateliers Hugo, nestled in Aix en Provence, France, has been a bastion of creativity since the early 1950s, crafting exquisite jewelry and limited-edition objects in gold. Their legacy intertwines with history, embracing tradition, skilled craftsmanship, and collaboration with legendary artists, sparking a renaissance in artist-made jewelry.

In the aftermath of World War II, François and Monique Hugo founded Ateliers Hugo, initially focusing on crafting enamel and metal buttons and objects for fashion and commercial ventures, collaborating with esteemed designers like Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. Surrounded by the artistic milieu of the South of France, Hugo cultivated friendships with luminaries such as Picasso, Derain, and Ernst, igniting a movement where artists experimented with jewelry as an art form.

The journey continued as Picasso and others sought collaborations with Hugo, laying the foundation for a pioneering era in jewelry artistry from 1956 to 1961. This period witnessed artists like Cocteau infusing their distinctive visions into small, gold objects, transcending commercial considerations for pure artistic exploration.

A "second wave" emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s under Pierre Hugo's stewardship, marrying experimentation with commercial viability. Collaborations with artists like Arman, César, and Salvador Dali birthed masterpieces that adorned museums and galleries worldwide, elevating jewelry to coveted collectibles.

Despite soaring demand, Ateliers Hugo remained a closely-knit family business, cherishing tradition and familial bonds. The studio's ethos, deeply entrenched in familial heritage, fosters a culture where lunchtime gatherings are as sacred as the craft itself.

In the contemporary era, under the leadership of Nicolas Hugo, Ateliers Hugo continues its legacy, collaborating with artists like Ugo Rondinone and Eric Croes, bridging the past with the present. Upholding tradition while embracing modernity, they maintain their unique stamp, rooted in time-honored techniques passed down through generations. With a commitment to serving artists and bearing witness to the zeitgeist, Ateliers Hugo preserves its legacy while illuminating the artistic landscape of today, embodying a timeless mission of creativity and cultural stewardship.

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In this episode, Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar, is entering an inspiring and insightful conversation with Scandinavian art world legend Björn Wetterling.

1984, in the heart of Stockholm, at the iconic Kungsträdgården 3, something remarkable happened; Wetterling Gallery opened its doors. This moment marked the beginning of what would become a cornerstone in Sweden's contemporary art scene.

Under the visionary leadership of Björn Wetterling, the gallery became the gateway for seminal American artists of the time, artists whose names are now synonymous with modern art greatness— Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Stella, Jasper Johns, James Rosenquist, Helen Frankenthaler, and Ed Ruscha, just to name a few.

But the Wetterling Gallery's journey didn't stop with the icons of the 80s. Over the decades, it has evolved, embracing a wide spectrum of artistic expressions and stages of career development. Today, while still honoring its roots and the artists who laid its foundation, the gallery is a vibrant platform for both emerging and established talents, particularly those from Scandinavia or based in the region.

At the core of the Wetterling Gallery's mission, guided by Björn Wetterling and his dedicated team, is a profound respect for the unique vision and instinct of each artist they represent. It's a place where art is not just seen; it's experienced, where every exhibition is a testament to the gallery's commitment to diversity, innovation, and the unwavering belief in the power of art to inspire and transform.

So, join us as we explore the legacy of the Wetterling Gallery, its impact on the art world, and the stories of the artists who have called it home. It's a journey through four decades of artistic excellence, and we're just getting started.

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