Kotone Utsunomiya for Svenskt Tenn

The Challenge

The task was to visually translate Kotone Utsunomiya’s creative world — a place where flowers converse, colours carry energy, and every line is drawn by hand. Inspired by the expressive textiles of Josef Frank, as well as Kotone’s own artistic language, the challenge was to create a story that reflected the emotional quality of her work and the craftsmanship behind it, using the setting of Prague to deepen the connection.

The Solution

The work began at Kotone’s studio inside the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. There, among sketches, pastels, and brushstrokes, the photography captured her process and atmosphere.

To expand the story, a film was written by Johan Ronnestam, building on the idea of following Kotone through her everyday inspirations in the city. The film was produced in close collaboration with Richard Croy, bringing together moving images and sound to portray the subtle dialogue between Kotone’s inner world and Prague’s historic surroundings.

The combined photography and film resulted in a portrait that feels both personal and timeless, highlighting Kotone’s artistry and her collaboration with Svenskt Tenn in a setting that resonates with imagination, craftsmanship, and life.