Annelise Johansson – colours of the coast

Since 2000, Costa Blanca has been embellished in authentic and vibrant paintings by Annelise Johansson, a Nordic artist who has spent over 20 years living in Albir.

Annelise was born in Norway and has been painting ever since she was a little girl. She is now 67, with a life-long experience in art-making, having first exhibited in Sweden in 1987.

Moving to Spain to take care of her mother, Annelise became touched by the coastal beauty and the “kind-hearted people” of the area. She was surrounded by light and colour; her biggest inspirations.

In 2000, she became a full-time artist, exhibiting across Spain and has been participating in Altea´s La Balconadas open-air exhibition for the past 10 years; bringing feminine sensibility and a colourful, daring perception to the town.

One of the reasons why Annelise continued to live in Spain was the positive developments she witnessed: “I admire Spain because it has changed so drastically within the past 30 years – no other country has done that.”

From April 16, Annelise´s work will be displayed and up for sale at DAR in Javea; an exhibition dedicated to women´s art by the European Union of Women Marina Alta.

 Annelise shared her experience of working as a female artist in Spain: “Changes in Spain have been for the better. Spain is a leader in reacting quickly when it comes to violence against women and it is an amazing place for women to live in.”