

Naja Utzon Popov
Born: 1973
Hometown: Copenhagen
Based in: Copenhagen
Born: 1973
Hometown: Copenhagen
Based in: Copenhagen
Naja Utzon Popov is a Danish/Australian sculptor, ceramicist and textile designer who is internationally oriented in her work. She studied drawing and painting in Australia before moving to the UK, where she continued her formal education at the University of Westminster. Naja Utzon Popov’s childhood years in Denmark and her time in Australia have always been an important source of inspiration for her work.
Naja’s works of art reflect a modern edge derived directly from the simplicity of the natural surroundings and aesthetic sensitivity in which she has been immersed all her life. These influences find expression in her work, where she translates her encounters with nature into sculptures, ceramics, glassware and textiles.
Among some of Najas major works have been a gravity-defying clay sculpture for the Rosendahl A/S corporate headquarters in Copenhagen. A monumental outdoor sculpture entitled 'Gathering', which rises from the ground like ancient columns formed from Welsh slate, was commissioned for the corporate collection of the Danish organisation, Humana as well as ceramic sculpture installations for Saks Fifth Aves art collection in both NYC and in Puerto Rico.
Naja’s sculpture Continuum was selected for Sculpture by the Sea in Sydney and received the Danish, Australian, New Zealand Friendship Associations Artist Award. Currently Naja is exhibiting at the Venice Biennale showing her biggest artwork to date, Momentum.
Naja works directly with clients, architects and interior designers around the world to create unique and site-specific artworks as well as rugs.
I work from my beautiful old studio in Copenhagen, there is lots of light, lots of space and its very private so I can express myself freely, I love when people visit my studio, it makes the whole process come alive for me.
What inspires you?
People and places inspire me, nature inspires me, people who have a different skillset to me inspire me, when you are introduced to a different material by watching someone else master it is very inspirational, anything that opens up for a new perspective, it can be a place, a person, a material, a thought
Describe your creative process.
I work very instinctively, my work takes form as I work through a process, sometimes an unexpected turn, sometimes familiar but I work in whichever direction my hands take me on the day
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Ethereal, instinctive, intuitive
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Giacometti, Miquel Barcelo, Anish Kapoor, Anselm Kiefer, Antony Gormley, Chillida
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
My slabroller, a wooden modeling tool, a soft metal rib and water
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
What if it DOES work
Where do you go for inspiration?
My studio, as soon as I step inside I feel ready to create and to work, its a really special space
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Education
University of Westminster
United Kingdom, 2002
Kensington & Chelsea College
United Kingdom, 1999
Julian Ashton Art School
Australia, 1994
Awards
AUS, NZ & DK Friendship Assoc Artist Award for Sculpture
2021
Exhibitions
Clay ceramic museum
Denmark, 2023
Sculpture by the Sea
Australia, 2023
Nordværk
Denmark, 2022
Venice Biennale
Italy, 2022
Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden
United Kingdom, 2021
Birkelundsgård
Denmark, 2021
Sculpture by the Sea
Australia, 2021
JGM Gallery
United Kingdom, 2020
Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden
United Kingdom, 2020
The Other Art Fair
United Kingdom, 2019
JGM Gallery
United Kingdom, 2019
Galleri Orange
Denmark, 2019
Salone Del Mobile
Italy, 2018
Salone Del Mobile
Italy, 2017
Saks Fifth Ave
United States of America, 2015
Architectural Digest Show
United States of America, 2015
Cocobolo Gallery
United States of America, 2015
In The Gallery
Denmark, 2014
Art Copenhagen
Denmark, 2014
Maison et Objet
France, 2013
Huset Tavi
Denmark, 2013
ICFF
United States of America, 2012
Maison et Objet
France, 2012
Maison et Objet
France, 2011
ICFF
United States of America, 2011
Grønbechsgård
Denmark, 2010
Jam Art Fair
United Kingdom, 2007
100% Design
United Kingdom, 2006
Galeria Kunstmann
Spain, 2004