Amanda Ekström
Bodies become art that boosts young girls' self-esteem
With a large following and a lot of positive feedback on her Instagram account @tuggmotstand, Amanda Ekström is one of the most important artists for more body positivity. Amanda has developed a collection of wall art in exclusive collaboration with Printler - the marketplace that connects thousands of photographers and artists with you and your home.
Check out what Amanda says about her art.
Belly creases spark debate – and become fantastic wall art
Amanda Ekström has a staggering number of followers on Instagram for her body positive art, receiving thousands of positive comments. We were curious how it all started.
How did you start with art?
When I was younger I didn't want to work in art. But one day in February 2017, when I was starting as a substitute teacher, I noticed some students in the classroom counting their tummy folds. At the same time, they scrolled their phones, looked at me and said, "Amanda, nobody on Instagram has stomach creases, only we have them."
What was your reaction?
I could only shake my head, so I went home and started taking pictures of my friends in the morning light so that you could clearly see the wrinkles on their stomachs. Then I posted the pics on Instagram because I knew my students were following me. I thought it might be a good contrast to the usual content on social media, but initially there was a very strong negative reaction.
Negative reactions?
Yes, several parents called the school and said my pictures were inappropriate. This in turn provoked me, because I think it is more inappropriate NOT to show the body and skin in this way. Just what a real belly looks like. With wrinkles. You see that too little.
How did you deal with it?
It was then that I realized that I wanted to work with exactly this topic: showing bodies as they look and letting shapes and lines and folds just be shapes and lines and folds.
And today the reactions have changed for the better?
Yes. I think it's because I make bodies appear as they really are. For me, that's the only right way to portray them. Like the works of art they are.
Working together with Printler
“I am so proud of this collection I created for Printler. I just wanted to create something I would like to have in my own home - smooth lines, colors and shapes. The collection consists of five prints - all inspired by people I love very much. One is a portrait of my own mother hanging over the sofa. It reminds me of the power within our bodies - the power that literally gave me life.
I work with Printler because they really stand behind their artists and their creations. Our collaboration feels real and they support us as artists who have turned their passion into a profession. Here you will find high-quality art prints and posters with personality, which is what sets them apart from other suppliers."
– Amanda Ekström
All motifs are printed on premium paper and delivered within 3-6 working days.
Posters by Amanda Ekström
