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.

Ever since his time as a glass engraver, Markus Åkesson has experienced what he calls a powerful pull to glass. He has previously experimented with glass sculptures. Through his wife and fellow artist, Ellen Ehk Åkesson, he came into contact with Kosta Boda. When he was asked to work with the glassworks, the answer was obvious. Since spring 2021, the couple has shared a studio in Kosta, in addition to their studios in the old Pukeberg Glassworks in Nybro. They share numerous intersecting points, not just privately but also artistically, having grown up near one another in the forests of Småland. The mystery of the forest is a strongly shared theme in their art.

Together with the glassblowers and cutters in the studio at Kosta Glassworks, Åkesson has started what he believes will be a long-term exploration of glass.

“Glass has a long history in Småland. That includes a tradition of bringing fine artists into the studio. And that demands even more of the craftspeople. It isn’t enough to be experts at what they do. They also have to be prepared to sometimes let go of all traditions in order to try out brand-new techniques. That takes confidence, artistry and incredible professional skill.”