Home is Where the Art is: Lovisa Smyth Vasseur

Our ‘Home is Where the Art is’ series explores the homes and art collections of our team, taking a deep dive into their personal styles and art collecting tips to get you inspired ahead of Affordable Art Fair Stockholm.

First up, we spoke to Lovisa Smyth Vasseur, our hyper-organised Fair Manager with a famously keen eye for timeless contemporary art. She takes us on her fascinating art-collecting and globe-trotting journey, which has infused her art collection with some funny and heartwarming stories.

Lovisa has been with Affordable Art Fair for 7,5 years, moving from Stockholm to London before settling in Harare, Zimbabwe, where she lives with her husband Josh and their two golden retrievers, Fink & Figo.

Over to Lovisa!

WHICH PIECE MEANS “HOME” TO YOU?

One of the first pieces I bought back in 2014 was a piece by Dan Hillier from Liberty Gallery. It has been reframed, rolled up, packed and rehung more times than I can remember. It has started to represent home for me. My home isn’t where I lay my hat, it’s where I hang my art.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE ART PIECES FOR EACH ROOM IN THE HOME?

I don’t buy art with a specific room in mind, I buy it because something about it has lit a spark in me; whether I’m intrigued by it, find it beautiful, interesting or it makes me feel nostalgic. The only room I have quite specific art criteria for is the bedroom. We’ve kept this room very minimalistic. I’m currently on the hunt for some new pieces, and I’ve got my eyes on Carla Freschi, Li Snell and Dani Handcraft.

As our fair only happens once a year, I’d recommend getting started by:

• Measure at home to see how big a piece you have room for
• What type of art and colours would work, hold up your phone against the wall with a photo of abstract art or maybe photography – does it work?
• Would you like one big piece or two smaller complementing pieces?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHEN THEY HANG ART IN THEIR HOMES?

If you’re feeling a bit scared of putting a nail on the wall, try cutting out a piece of paper that is the same size as the artwork (maybe some wrapping paper that you then can reuse later). That way you can go around and see how the size of the piece looks above your favourite armchair, in the hallway or the kitchen.

Our home is an ever-changing exhibition. Just like how people change cushion covers when the seasons change, I rotate my artwork to reflect the seasons, moods and even holidays. Josh always laughs when I bring out an artwork with a snowy landscape around Christmas, which also tends to be our hottest season in Zimbabwe.

WHICH PIECE IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE?

I’m struggling to pick a favourite as they all have their own story. I love Per Ekros‘ big polar bear from the haunting exhibition called “King without Kingdom”.

I’m also very attached to Caroline Nyström’s piece, which I bought after hearing the story about her artistic journey. Sometimes it’s the story behind a piece, as well as how you connect to it, that creates the magic around a piece.

There are also many fantastic artists that I have been introduced to in Zimbabwe. I’m amazed by the creativity, skill and thoughts behind artists like Kombo Chapfika and Prudence Chimutuwah.

WHEN CONSIDERING BUYING A NEW PIECE, WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT CRITERIA?

It takes me five seconds to know if I like it and want to buy it. It’s a gut feeling! The last time I felt like this was when I visited an exhibition at Nhaka Gallery and saw a quadriptych by Yananiso Kunaka.

Budget would be the other criteria, because no matter how much I love something – the wallet still has the last say. This is why I love to buy from, as well as work with, Affordable Art Fair. With everything clearly priced, I’m able to listen to my head as well as my heart before making a decision.

We are deeply impressed by Lovisa’s stunning home and hope you are as inspired as we are! Grab the chance to find something you love at Affordable Art Fair Stockholm from 2 – 6 October at Nacka Strandsmässan. It’s time to make your home where your art is!

All photos are credited to Photographer Blythe Aitken.