With Kosta Boda Art Glass, they reach out to the whole world while bringing the world home to Kosta. Using the endless possibilities of glass, our artists make art based on creativity, knowledge and courage, combined with a love of glass as a material. Read about artists such as Bertil Vallien, Markus Åkesson or Ellen Ehk Åkesson and their sources of inspiration, experiences and histories, which are reflected in their artistry.

Ellen Ehk Åkesson

Concepts such as searching for one’s roots and starting where you are may seem like cliches, but they are deeply relevant when it comes to describing the artistic work of Ellen Ehk Åkesson. Ellen was born in Småland, where she still lives today – now with her family in Nybro, in the heart of the Kingdom of Crystal. She works in a studio in Pukeberg’s old glassworks where her husband, artist Markus Åkesson, who is also associated with Kosta Boda, has a studio as well. With Småland as a base, Ellen has exhibited all over the world. Her work is represented in galleries in Stockholm, Paris, and elsewhere in Europe, as well as in many collections in Asia, where her work is shown regularly

Markus Åkesson

Markus Åkesson is an artist who has become known in trendy, cosmopolitan underground settings. For example, through his work with Japanese fashion brand Undercover and frequent exhibitions at Da-end in Paris, a niche gallery specialized in narrow contemporary art with dark undertones. His paintings have also garnered significant international acclaim and are represented in many collections all over the world. In Sweden, Åkesson’s work is shown at Berg Gallery in Stockholm and at VIDA Museum on Öland.

Bertil Vallien

Bertil Vallien is an artist who needs no further introduction for anyone who loves the beauty and mystery of glass. During his 60-year career, Vallien has become renowned among glass lovers, primarily for his sand-cast sculptures, and especially his world-famous glass ships. Bertil Vallien has held acclaimed exhibitions all over the world. His work is represented in collections and at prestigious museums in Sweden and internationally. For Kosta Boda, Vallien is of priceless importance – primarily for his own glass art, but also as a source of inspiration for other artists and designers.