Her practice centres on the relationship between humans and nature, exploring themes of power, materiality, and ecology through sculptural and material investigations. This has led to exhibitions such as GLITCH (Värmlands Museum, 2024), Welcome Back (Vandalorum, 2017), and Breaking Points ( Norrtälje2018).

She has also completed several public commissions, including a large scale watercolour for the Kiruna Cultural House and the granite courtyard of Stockholm City Museum. In 2018, she was elected to Sweden’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts with the motivation: "Because of her artistic height and mission."

Watercolour plays a central role in her work. For Katja, it is a medium that perfectly balances control and unpredictability. The way water and pigment interact on the paper is alive and dynamic, offering endless opportunities for exploration.

“What draws me to watercolour is its capacity for both precision and spontaneity. The process is a dialogue between my intention and the medium’s own logic. The unpredictable merging of water and pigment is fundamental to my creative process.”

"Paper is equally important. More than just a surface, it acts as an active participant in the work. Its texture, weight, and absorbency deeply influence the outcome, making the selection of paper a vital part of the artistic decision-making."

Katja Pettersson uses Saunders Waterford White HP 300gsm rolls for her work.

Website: www.katjapettersson.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katjapettersson/
 

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