Kræss: Bringing art and everyday living together

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Kræss

Since opening in 2019 with artworks from just 11 artists, Kræss has grown into a colourful universe representing more than 400 artists. What has not changed is the guiding idea behind it: everything is handmade, carefully selected and produced with a strong focus on sustainability. For customers, that means access to stand-out pieces for the home that feel personal rather than mass-produced.

In Copenhagen’s vibrant Nørrebro neighbourhood, Kræss has built a space where artworks, ceramics, glass and interior design objects come together in a visual world shaped by colour, edge and individuality. The store grew out of a conversation between co-owner Erica Mølgaard and her business partner, Jonatan Harring. At the time, Mølgaard was training as a psychomotor therapist, but had always worked creatively with her hands. She also felt that something was missing in the art scene. “It can be incredibly difficult for artists to break through if they do not have the right education or access to the right places,” she says. “We wanted to give them a chance to show their work that has some personality, is special, more colourful and less generic.”

Six years later, the shop has doubled in size, expanded online and represents more than 400 artists. Yet, the sense of personality remains central to the concept. Kræss meets with artists, looks for a distinct visual language and selects and curates work to create an accessible and original collection. The result is a shop with a strong identity and a loyal following. “Some people come from far away to visit us, while others stop by because they have had a bad day and want to look around and feel inspired,” Mølgaard says. “That means everything to us.”

Kræss: Bringing art and everyday living together

Sustainability is also built into the way Kræss works. The business has stayed committed to handmade production and rejected mass production, even when cheaper options would have made growth easier. Its fine art prints are produced on demand in the store, on exclusive Hahnemühle matte art paper, which both reduces waste while preserving a high level of quality on every artwork. “We have held on to the idea that people should know that what they are getting, is unique,” Mølgaard explains. “It is made by a person, with a vision, many hours of work, not just by a machine.”

Kræss: Bringing art and everyday living together

That combination of craftsmanship, curation and care has become Kræss’ signature. Customers are not simply buying a product, but taking home a small part of an artist’s universe – wrapped, packed and lovingly sprinkled with a handful of star glitter.

Kræss: Bringing art and everyday living together