Life With Mads Bryld
Life With Mads Bryld
Mads Bryld is a carpenter turned landscape architect turned painter — he’s also a father and a mega Oasis fan. We, on the other hand, are big fans of Mads and just had a painting of his put up in our store. In this edition of Life With, we meet with Mads for two pints of Guinness and talk music, Peter Doig, work-appropriate clothes, and what his brushes would say if they could speak.
By the way, if you wanna see Mads’ magnificent works in real life: HARICOT GALLERY, London, from 9th October; V1 GALLERY, Copenhagen from 23rd October. (All enquiries: V1 Gallery).
Text by Oliver Bodh Larsen, Photos by Johanna Hvidtved
Mads wears Another Sweater 2.0, Night Sky Navy (see more) & Another Jeans 3.0, Brown (see more).
What’s the first thing you do when you walk into your studio?
Put on music.
I was actually going to ask you if you listen to music while painting.
I never paint without music. I can’t. Or—well, I never have. I used to play in a punk and rock band for years, but it never really took off. Then, when I’d graduated as a landscape architect, I was sitting in the office thinking: If I’m going to sit at this desk for the next 35 years, I might as well blow my fucking brains out. I needed to live out that artistic side. And that’s when I started painting.
When was that?
2021.
Mads wears Another Shirt 2.1 Jpn, Midori Check (see more) & Another Jeans 3.0, Brown (see more).
Was it a pandemic thing?
Yeah. More or less. But I’ve always known I was strong visually. At architecture school, I obviously drew a lot, too. I was on a programme that was very philosophical and artistic. So, once I had the thought that painting could be fun, the process felt quite natural. I really had the urge to do it. I was genuinely disappointed that the music hadn’t worked out. Something was gnawing at me whenever my boss was angry with me about this or that. And one day, I just began painting. That’s how I am: just try. Don’t overthink it.
Back to the music. You said it’s the first thing you do. What do you put on?
I’ve got a few playlists. I’m the kind of person who likes Japanese ambient in the mornings. I also love a radio show called “Aftenland” with Jonas Visti. It’s totally magical. That sets me up for a good day. But it can also swing in the completely opposite direction—then I’ll just put on Oasis.
When do you usually show up at the studio?
Around 8 am. It’s unavoidable when you’ve got a family. But I enjoy it. And then I’ll stay until around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Before architecture school I trained as a carpenter, so I’m working like a craftsman––that’s how I see myself. Maybe it’s a way to avoid overcomplicating things. Also, I work best in the morning.
What’s your stereo setup?
It varies, depending on if I’m alone or not. I’ve got a small JBL speaker, but also some really good headphones. Not everyone wants to hear “Rock ’n’ Roll Star” at 8 am.
Can you see a difference in what you paint depending on whether you’ve got Japanese ambient or Oasis on?
Um… I can definitely feel a shift in tempo. If I’m listening to calm music, I’ll find myself fussing over some little corner. But then there are times when I suddenly think, something needs to change right now, and I’ll put on something heavy and switch gears.
Who’s your favorite painter?
Peter Doig. He makes incredible things. Landscapes, portraits, people—it’s all pretty urban, but also very dreamy. I saw his exhibition at Louisiana in 2015, and I remember thinking: This I understand. I went back several times.
I asked ChatGPT if it had a funny question for you, and it suggested this: If your brushes could talk, what would they gossip about?
That I wash them too much. And that I bite them. I like everything to be in order when I arrive. Brushes clean, things working. I hate walking in and finding chaos. That’s the craftsman in me. You know, I’ve tried having a superior screaming at me if things weren’t exactly where they were supposed to be.
If you could paint a portrait of anyone—living or dead—who would it be?
King Krule.
Do you have a motto?
If you’re in doubt, you’re not in doubt.
Is there a connection between what you wear and how you paint?
Not really, but I’m definitely someone who feels best when I’m dressed properly. I’d never go down to the studio in slippers and sweatpants. I’m at work.
Do you like going to exhibition openings and receptions?
Yeah, I actually do. I think it’s really good fun. Maybe I won’t be saying that in a few years, but I’m super social, so I enjoy it a lot. And when you’re proud of the work you’ve made, it feels good to go out and tell people.
Has it opened doors for you?
A hundred percent. No doubt.
Mads wears Another Shirt 4.0 Jpn, Gure Kuro Check (see more) & Another Suit Pant 1.0, Grey (see more).
