About
My name is Anna-Frida (Mary Bay), and I’m a Swedish artist. I primarily work with abstract painting, often blending texture and figurative elements. My artistic expression is bold, colorful, and infused with rhythm and contrast. In recent years, I’ve also expanded into wearable art – hand-painted clothing and accessories that exist both as visual statements and as living, wearable artworks.
With a background in social work and leadership, my practice is rooted in themes of sisterhood, strength, and transformation. I believe art carries the power to express what words sometimes cannot.
I paint emotions that words cannot hold. Color becomes my language – filled with joy, energy, and sisterhood. For me, painting is about daring, enjoying, and seeing possibilities, even when life brings challenges. I want art not only to hang on walls, but also to be worn, lived, and experience
Summermeadow artbymarybay
Inspiration
My inspiration comes from movement, emotions, and human connection. I draw energy from sisterhood, strength, and the way people lift each other up in both everyday life and challenges. Rhythm and flow are central to me – influenced by my background in sports like taekwondo and figure skating, where discipline meets freedom of expression.
Nature also inspires me deeply: the sea, shifting light, and organic structures often find their way into my paintings. I am equally inspired by contrast – softness and power, vulnerability and resilience – and how colors can carry these emotions beyond words.
Ultimately, I paint from a place of joy and energy, letting color become a living force that connects me to others
Education
Degree in Social Work, Lund University (2012)
Additional studies in Gender Studies, Sociology, Communication, and Sports Sociology
Self-taught painter with continuous artistic practice and development
Artistic Activities (2025–2026)
Vernissage in Åsa, south of Gothenburg
Solo exhibition at Galleri Plume (2025)
Group exhibition at Galleri 115, Hallarp (Sept 2025)
Group exhibition- Kungsbacka Konstsalong- Participating artist in Kungsbacka Art Week (Oct 2025)
Group exhibition at Galleri Sapere Aude, Copenhagen (2025)
29 original artworks sold in 2025 — all organically, without paid marketing
International art collaboration with a German artist (2025)
Professional Background
Advisor, Save the Children Sweden (2023–present) — strategic role in child protection, policy development, and national frameworks for direct support
Previous leadership roles within Save the Children and Skåne Stadsmission, specializing in social sustainability, homelessness, and support for vulnerable groups
Other Relevant Experience
2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, former figure skater and dancer — influences artistic themes of strength, rhythm, and endurance
Extensive background in human rights and resilience, deeply intertwined with artistic explorations of sisterhood, strength, and transformation
- Café Myka, Malmö (Dec 2025)
– Le Marais, Paris (Feb 2026)
– NK Art Bakery, Stockholm (Apr–Jun 2026)
Abstract and figurative painting
Texture paste
Mixed media (including textiles and wearable art)
My process is intuitive and energetic. I rarely sketch beforehand- instead I let color and texture together with the feeling guide me. I often work with layers of acrylics and texture paste , combining bold brush strokes with mixed media elements. Movement, and contrast are central , and I paint with both spontaneity and precision.
For me painting is about releasing energy and emotion and letting the canvas evolve organically into its final form.
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