Q&A: Charlotte Carlsson
Charlotte Carlsson
Ahead of her upcoming solo exhibition Versions of Her in April, Mint resident Richard Scott spoke to Norwegian artist Charlotte Carlsson about identity, femininity and ducks.
Mint: As an international artist, how did you find out about the Mint gallery?
Charlotte: I was actually introduced to Mint very early when I first got to Australia, one year and seven months ago. I follow a poet called Trevor Cimenski and saw he had an event at Mint art gallery, so I biked down and went all by myself. I didn’t know anyone but it was just so beautiful, they put up a bunch of fairy lights and had a bonfire and carpets that made it very romantic. It was incredible. From the get-go, I had that experience of such a warm and welcoming community where I felt kind of at home already from the start, and I was just mesmerised by everyone’s courage and poetry and putting themselves out there. And then in between, we went inside the art gallery and when I got to see all the artist’s residential cubicles I was just in awe. I was just like ‘wow, what a beautiful space for people to work in’. Just from the start, I was so fascinated.
Mint: And now you’re exhibiting there. Can you tell us a little about your solo show: Versions of Her?
Charlotte: I think moving to Australia has just shown me another version of myself. I have always had a tendency to paint women and also from a point of diversity. I think it’s so important to embrace all types of beauty and all versions of being a woman. For me, that can be the version of myself in Norway, or coming to Australia, or different chapters of my life. I guess I want to celebrate that in my work. Most of them are waterwatercolours; watercolour is my main medium. I’ve always done that; painting with my mum since I was eight. I was so curious.
Mint: The painting you chose for the poster is very Gold Coast - ladies lounging by the pool in their togs. But what’s up with the ducks?
Charlotte: The ducklings had a fun aspect to it. We all have some association with ducklings, growing up, in the bathtub. [The painting] Pool Vibes, for me, represents the state of mind where you’re just floating. You’re just enjoying the moment, everything is cruisy and you have those light colours, you’re just enjoying those times with your friends. I think a lot of my paintings, especially since I got to Australia, have had much lighter tones to them in comparison. I feel they represent a transition in who I am as well - where I’ve been going through different versions of myself. So Pool Vibes shows how we can float, it’s easy, there’s no rush and I feel that represents Australia as well. You’re very laid back people, especially on the Gold Coast. I guess the coastal colours and pastels give us the same kind of energy where you’re just enjoying and you can just picture yourself and that version of her in the future, or in the past, or in the present times.
Mint: What can people expect on the night?
Charlotte: I’m planning to open my exhibition with some of my poetry. Hoping will give the exhibition a little bit of an edge and give people a better understanding of some of the paintings and versions of being a woman, as well. Being from Norway, it’s such an incredible experience to be able to exhibit at Mint. I’m super excited for people who might want to come along.Versions of Her by Charlotte Carlsson
Saturday, 4 April, 2026
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Mint Art House (87 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads, QLD, 4220, Australia)
