Lessebo Paper Studio x

Nicklas Hultman

Floral
Kaleidoscope

Nicklas Hultman is an artist and designer who effortlessly transitions between the tangible and virtual realms. His independent and unconventional approach to art is evident in his disregard for aesthetic norms and rules. While plants and flowers are recurring elements in his art, there are no limits to what else might appear in his work.

What is Floral Kaleidoscope?

It’s a modern take on traditional flower arrangements. The aim is to transform flowers from static objects confined to a canister into something entirely unique and distinctive. I believe there is always room to take an arrangement three steps further, even after it’s complete. That’s why bringing a physical flower arrangement into the digital world felt natural. There, suddenly the plants no longer exist. They transform into fantasy creatures resembling insects, each as unique as a snowflake. In my project, Floral Kaleidoscope for Lessebo, I have utilised different backgrounds for the arrangements to emphasise the significance of colour – Purple Haze 8086, Brick 4348, Aubergine 9098 and Sweet Mint 6563. How and where things are presented plays a crucial role in determining whether they will be noticed, ignored, or swiped away.

How do you typically work with colours?

I always begin my work by considering the materials I will use, regardless of their colours. When working with plants and flowers, I try to limit the colours I use to avoid creating overly busy arrangements that strain the eye. Plants are a great addition to any setting. They can decorate a dining table, adding to the ambiance of an intimate party or a large banquet. They can also be used as a welcome arrangement on an entrance table or as a simple bouquet to brighten up an ordinary Tuesday. I always consider the environment and context when creating something. Every element in a space, from the colour of the table to the walls and textiles, is interconnected. Even the slightest colour variation can affect the balance of the room. Colours that clash can cause one to overpower the other and disrupt the visual flow of the space. Therefore, colour is always a crucial factor that I take into consideration, whether it is a conscious or subconscious decision.

What is Floral Kaleidoscope?

It’s a modern take on traditional flower arrangements. The aim is to transform flowers from static objects confined to a canister into something entirely unique and distinctive. I believe there is always room to take an arrangement three steps further, even after it’s complete. That’s why bringing a physical flower arrangement into the digital world felt natural. There, suddenly the plants no longer exist. They transform into fantasy creatures resembling insects, each as unique as a snowflake. In my project, Floral Kaleidoscope for Lessebo, I have utilised different backgrounds for the arrangements to emphasise the significance of colour – Purple Haze 8086, Brick 4348, Aubergine 9098 and Sweet Mint 6563. How and where things are presented plays a crucial role in determining whether they will be noticed, ignored, or swiped away.

Tactile or digital?

I love the tactile experience! Feeling the texture of a material with your fingertips creates physical memories that stay with you. You can feel the roughness of bulky paper, the veins on a daffodil’s stem, or the knots on a lily’s petals. However, with the help of digital technology, we can preserve these tactile memories. The digital world offers benefits that the physical world cannot. Therefore, I believe it is crucial to embrace both the tactile and the digital.