Emma Larsson lives and works in Stockholm (Sweden) and is a contemporary artist primarily working in watercolor. Her biomorphic compositions move between abstraction and figuration, recalling organic structures, cellular forms, and imagined organisms. Through richly pigmented gradients and controlled water movement, she develops hybrid forms in which soft transitions meet graphic elements such as stripes and dots. The works stand independently within open space, unfolding their impact through the tension between fluid color and defined structure.
For this collaboration, Larsson translates this organic visual language onto textile. Using high-resolution sublimation printing, even delicate pigment edges, color transitions, and transparent washes remain visible. A differentiated palette of deep reds, cool blues, and muted tonal shifts precisely transfers the depth and dynamism of the original watercolor onto the material. It is available as a limited series of bags and backpacks, including the Alva Medium Bag, Jona Large Bag, Hajo Mini Backpack, Mion Mini Backpack and Jannik Medium Backpack.
Interview with Emma Larsson
At what age did you find art was something you had a passion for? And where did the art inspiration come from?
I already had my passion as a child, when my father gave me a box of fine watercolors for my 9th birthday. I guess my inspiration came from just experimenting on my own.
Where do you currently find most of your inspiration? Do other artists influence your work, or do sources like nature play a bigger role?
I am rarely inspired by other people's art, which is not to say that I don’t love seeing other people's art. I try to be true to my own source of thoughts and feelings about life and the world around me. Nature is an obvious part of my life, drawing strength from it. Artistry and the desire to create come from it. My work is energetic and emotionally driven. Water and pigment are exciting to work with in that way. I can control to a certain extent with intuition and feeling. But water as an element, does its own job on the paper. It’s exciting to be part of that game. Inspiration is not always there though. Sometimes it’s more of a serious task to perform. I feel alive when I paint. It is vital.
How would you describe your design style? Are there any specific techniques or mediums that you frequently incorporate into your designs?
My art comes with the flow from within. A lot of feelings. Be true to yourself. I work mainly abstract and practice various disciplines depending on my mood. It has a lot to do with balance. The colors play a big role, it's a playful way to arrange an image. You must never forget the child inside when you paint. It’s a motto for me.
Do you think this might change in the future, especially since your style has become so recognizable? Do you ever feel the urge to try something completely new, but then wonder if it wouldn’t fit the artistic language you’ve developed over so many years?
Well, I can feel that sometimes. I think all artists can feel that. It also becomes a different expression if you dare to change to another technique, like my works on canvas can indeed look very different from my watercolors on paper.
What role does art play in your life? How does it influence or reflect your personal experiences and perspectives?
Art is my life. Working as an artist full-time is also, in a way, sometimes putting down the brushes completely. It can be losing yourself in a book. Going for long walks. Being alone and daring to look inward. Taking the spiritual journeys.
Can you tell us a bit more about this pattern design you created for this collaboration? Does it have any specific meaning to you?
I used several elements from different paintings and created a pattern. That day I felt I was into colorfulness. It has a lot of energy.
We absolutely love it and were truly overwhelmed by the design. Since you mentioned how you felt that day and the energy the piece gives you, we are curious: when you look at your patterns, designs, or your work in general, is it important for you that it gives something back - a certain energy or sense of purpose?
No more than that I can recognize works from a certain period and understand where I was at that time in life, which phase etc. It is a good method to look back at the different phases of painting. There is a lot in the older work that I can use again and again…
Where can the Ucon Acrobatics community find out more about you?
Check out my IG @zebrakadebra.
What's your favorite Ucon Acrobatics product?
The classic black Hajo Medium Backpack goes with everything!
DISCOVER THE COLLECTION
Emma Larsson’s expressive watercolours meet our minimalist bags and backpacks. Discover the limited Artist Edition in our online shop. Printed on fabric made from recycled textiles, her organic shapes and rich colours stand out by day, while reflective glass beads catch the light after dark.
