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Artist Name

Naja Utzon Popov

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.

 



Naja Utzon Popov In The Studio

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.

main image

More About Naja Utzon Popov

Question IconWhat 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

Question IconDescribe 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

Question IconWhat are 3 words that best describe your work?

Ethereal, instinctive, intuitive

Question IconWho are some artists that have influenced your work?

Giacometti, Miquel Barcelo, Anish Kapoor, Anselm Kiefer, Antony Gormley, Chillida

Question IconWhat is the most important tool when creating your work?

My slabroller, a wooden modeling tool, a soft metal rib and water

Question IconWhat is the best piece of advice you have been given?

What if it DOES work

Question IconWhere 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


Collections Featuring Naja Utzon Popov

8 Collections

Art Pieces That Capture the Spirit of the Season

Art Pieces That Capture the Spirit of the Season

52 Artists, 65 Products

Last updated: October 24, 2023

Design Items for the Wabi Sabi Aesthetic

Design Items for the Wabi Sabi Aesthetic

26 Artists, 37 Products

Last updated: October 3, 2023

Artworks to Bring the Christmas Spirit Into Your Home 2022

Artworks to Bring the Christmas Spirit Into Your Home 2022

25 Artists, 29 Products

Last updated: October 3, 2022


Articles Featuring Naja Utzon Popov

1 Article


Credentials

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