Amalie Smidth: A Firework of Life

I discovered Amalie’s work through Instagram and was drawn to them immediately through their expressiveness and power. It’s like an explosion or firework of colours and life. Carrying depth and a certain vulnerability nevertheless, each one telling their own story. A play of different emotions and experiences, interwoven, like life itself.

For the following I asked Amalie if she wants to do an interview with me:

Luna Maluna Gri: Tell me a bit about yourself and your work.

Amalie Smidth: Amalie Smidth: I am an artist and coder. At first glance, these fields might seem quite different, but they share a core similarity: both involve creativity, whether through building or making something. I started creating art when I was very young, but it’s only in the past couple of years that I’ve taken it more seriously. Life changes—both good and bad—flipped my world upside down, and I found myself needing a way to process my experiences. I stepped away from pursuing art when I was 18, likely out of fear, despite deep down loving it. Reconnecting with this fundamental part of myself these last years has been transformative, and my work has evolved to become more meaningful and purposeful. I never anticipated that anyone would see my creations, but it just kind of happened.

LMG: How and why did you start creating art?

AS: As a kid, I created art simply because I loved to play. Play allows for expression and curiosity; it’s a way to learn more about yourself and the world. I’ve always expressed myself through drawing, even putting mud on paper. However, I faced internal struggles in my 20s that held me back from creating. I would try to express myself through other avenues like film, sewing, and cooking—everything except the one thing I truly wanted to do. This is a classic struggle many people face, often stemming from fear. A good friend gave me The Artist’s Way about six years ago, suggesting it might help. I would roll my eyes at it out of intimidation, but last August, I finally decided to read it without judgment. That decision became a catalyst for overcoming internal barriers and unraveling past patterns. This book helped me realize that I not only wanted to create but also needed to. I no longer stress about whether I should have done this or could have done that; I’m just very happy with where I am now. Creating art is not a career obligation for me—I do it because it brings me joy. Of course, it’s natural to have goals and dreams, but I’m grateful I’ve given myself the permission to take time to pursue this again. To me, that’s what creativity is all about and why it’s essential for everyone to give themselves time and space to be creative in whatever form that takes. You don’t need to do anything with it. Being creative is intrinsic to being human.

LMG: What role does creating art play for you?

AS: Creating art plays several important roles in my life. Firstly, it serves as a powerful means of self-discovery. Since I was young, I have been deeply inspired by surrealism and automatism, and my creative work reflects that influence. Through art, I learn a great deal about my emotions and inner experiences. I tend to process my feelings intuitively, often realizing my emotional state only after creating something. Additionally, art is a way for me to process emotions and connect with others. I find immense joy in engaging with people, whether they are friends or strangers, and understanding their experiences. It’s fascinating to see how viewers interpret my work, often drawing out different emotions and insights. My goal is to foster connection and openness through my art, especially in a world where surface-level interactions often overshadow deeper connections.

LMG: What does your creating process look like?

AS: It’s pretty chaotic, and it’s never the same. I think my creative process mirrors how I navigate the city; I rarely take the same route twice. I subconsciously seek new ways to arrive at my destination, and my creative process is similar. Sometimes, I find inspiration in galleries, while other times, a strong thought or feeling compels me to create. What’s consistent is that I never know what I’m about to do—I don’t plan. I would love to be someone who can plan, but when it comes to my creativity, there’s no structure. It’s an equal mix of excitement and fear. Some days, I might be in the zone and work all day, while other times, I’ll start something, leave it, and return later. I have to wait for inspiration to come to me, which can be both cool and frustrating. Since this isn’t a daily practice for me, I primarily respond to life’s unpredictability.

LMG: What inspires you?

AS: I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, often rooted in visceral experiences. I’m sensitive to the sensations of smells, tastes, laughter, tears, and I’m deeply moved by the actions of friends and the stories of those around me. The weather and countless small moments also provide inspiration. I strive to keep my eyes and heart open to the world, as it’s often the little things that spark creativity. For instance, sitting outside on a gray day, I want to pay attention to how the light shifts on the pavement during breaks in the clouds. I also find moments like almost walking into someone three times as we pass each other very amusing and uplifting somehow. I seek depth in these experiences and love how they can alter your mood. This is what life is all about, and I love it!

LMG: What is your experience with the art world?

AS: My introduction to the art world has been relatively recent, but I’ve been fortunate to meet some remarkable individuals along the way. Two key figures for me have been Nina and Enzo, who curate together as LILITU and also run an art meetup group in Berlin. Their approach is refreshing, and through them, I glimpse a future for the art world that feels more inclusive and innovative—they’re carving their own paths and I am excited to see where they’re headed. However, I do hold some reservations about the art world as a whole. It can often feel rigid and outdated, with priorities that seem misaligned and, at times, isolating, even for those within it.

LMG: Is there something you want to change about the art world? If yes, what and why?

AS: I’d love to see the art world become more accessible to people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and stages of life. There seems to be a predetermined path, and if you don’t find yourself on it—often due to privilege—your opportunities become limited. There needs to be more openness and flexibility in how people can enter the art world, regardless of where they come from or when they start. Art is a universal form of human expression—it shouldn’t be restricted by geography or institutional prestige. Democratizing access would enrich the art world with more diverse voices and perspectives. In these times of political and global divides, what the world needs most is empathy and the willingness to listen. Art has the unique ability to bridge divides by creating spaces for connection, understanding, and compassion. By amplifying a diverse range of voices and stories, curators and institutions could foster greater empathy, which is essential in healing the fractures in our society. This shift could lead to a more inclusive, dynamic art world—one where the focus is on meaningful expression rather than commercial gain.

LMG: What do you think is or are the role or roles of artists and art in our society?

AS: Artists, in the broader sense—including writers, dancers, musicians, and more—serve as mirrors, reflecting life back to the world. They imagine new ideas, pose important questions, and share possible answers. By pushing boundaries, sparking conversations, and fostering growth, both individually and within society. Ultimately, I believe an artist’s role is to facilitate connection, provoke thought, and give form to our shared human experience.

LMG: What artist or artists (dead or alive) would you like to meet? And if you had one question, what would you ask them?

AS: Absolutely FKA Twigs—she’s the coolest person and multi-disciplinary artist in the world! The way she expresses herself through dance, music and physicality is truly inspiring. It would be a dream to hear her thoughts on pretty much anything and everything. More classically, I’d be fascinated to meet Frida Kahlo. She faced many challenges in her life yet managed to find inner strength, joy, and passion. I’d love to share a cup of tea with her and simply ask, “What’s on your mind right now?” I think her response would be incredibly insightful.

LMG: Is there something you want to achieve in your art life? Like dreams, future plans, or projects you would like to do?

AS: I would love to collaborate, although I’m not sure what that would look like. Perhaps a residency in an inspiring environment with creative people would be amazing. I’m also keen to explore how to integrate coding into my art. I want to investigate whether the themes of self-reflection and self-discovery I explore in painting can intersect with technology. The intersection of art and technology interests me because they often feel separate. I’m curious to see how they can come together to create a more interactive experience. Ultimately, I want to offer a platform for people to reflect, learn more about themselves, and deepen their connection to their psyche and bodies.

LMG: Do you think there’s something you can bring to this world through your work as an artist, which you couldn’t in any other field of work?

AS: Yes and no. As I mentioned before, I believe the artist’s role is to act as a mirror. That’s something unique to artists, and as an artist myself, I strive to fulfill that role. However, I don’t believe being an artist is limited to visual art forms; many forms of expression exist. I think everyone is an artist in their own way because expressing oneself is what art is about. That expression can happen through conversation, making food, weaving a tapestry, or any other means that resonate with others. To answer your question more directly: I don’t believe there is something I can uniquely bring to the world as an artist that couldn’t come from another field. It’s just one form of expression among many, all rooted in intention. But I do believe that when the intention is genuine—something I strive for—there’s a possibility that the impact can be profound, even if just for one person.