This captivating piece, known as the SNASK Office Oil Painting, serves as a striking representation of the company’s ethos and culture. Created by the talented artist Ulrika Westerberg, this painting embodies the notion of self-love and camaraderie that permeates the SNASK team. The painting not only depicts the faces of those who contribute to the company’s creative energy but also showcases a delightful blend of chaos and humor.
At the core of this artistic endeavor is a tradition: whenever a new employee joins the SNASK team, they are immortalized in the painting. This practice stems from Freddie’s desire to move away from mundane team photographs. Instead, they opted to hire a professional oil painter to craft a vibrant, dynamic composition that reflects their unique identity.
Freddie Öst elaborates on the concept behind the painting: (Source: Medium)
“So we kind of love ourselves a bit too much. Also we think it’s extremely boring to have a regular team photo taken from a person standing on a chair. So we decided to employ a real oil painter, Ulrika Westerberg, to paint a copy of a classic, busy painting. We chose “Trial of George Jacobs (August 5, 1692)” painted by T. H. Matteson in 1855. It’s about the Salem witch trials. We simply chose it because it looked so chaotic and thought it could be funny. So first Ulrika made a super big copy of the real painting and then she painted us in. She comes by our studio every time someone gets employed and paints them in. Since it’s in oil, she can paint as many layers as we want.” The resulting piece is a monumental canvas measuring 2.6 meters wide and 2 meters high, illustrating a vibrant tableau filled with characters and narratives.
In the painting, one can spot Freddie himself as the judge in the upper left corner, while co-founder Magnus takes center stage as the judge in the foreground. Magdalena Czarnecki, the art director, is depicted accusing Erik, the partner and account executive, of some unspecified crime, while Richard Gray, another art director, embodies the role of Erik’s panicked mother, portrayed just above Magdalena. Adding to the humor, Jens Nilsson, the design director, appears at the bottom of the scene, having fainted in his chair, seemingly oblivious to his lack of proper attire for such a grand occasion. If you’ve read this far, you deserve a medal: And as your reward, here’s a tip – Daniel, Philipp, Hannah and Leon are hiding somewhere in the painting. It’s one of our Easter eggs!
The painting is rich with details that invite viewers to explore its narrative further. A CCTV camera, a poster for the Snask Off Club, a rabbit, a vintage Pear computer and a pair of red Converse shoes contribute to the chaotic charm of the scene. Notably, on the far right, next to the rabbit, there is a strikingly seductive woman making direct eye contact with the viewer, an addition that was never requested by SNASK. Ulrika, the artist, humorously included herself in the painting, characterized by her glasses and grey hair, positioned just to the left of the rabbit in a moment of pleading.
This unique artwork not only reflects the identity and values of SNASK but also serves as an ongoing narrative that evolves with each new team member, making it a true centerpiece of the office and a testament to the creative spirit that defines this innovative company.
