About
Anna-Frida creates under the name Mary Bay — her Indian name and a personal connection to her own story. She is a Swedish contemporary artist whose practice moves between figurative and abstract painting: two distinct visual languages rooted in the same exploration of strength, movement and human connection.
At the heart of her practice is a fascination with the strength people carry — our ability to grow, to change and to find joy, both within ourselves and through one another. This fascination is rooted in Mary’s lifelong engagement with people and movement. Her professional background in social work and leadership — including extensive work with people in some of society’s most vulnerable situations — has given her a close view of both human vulnerability and remarkable resilience. Years of figure skating and Taekwondo have shaped her sense of rhythm, balance, discipline and physical energy.
In her figurative paintings, these ideas take form through figures standing together, exploring community, sisterhood and collective strength. Her abstract works express the same themes through colour, layered texture and movement, giving space to energy, emotion and intuitive expression. Though different in form, both are part of a visual language that is vibrant, tactile and distinctly her own.
While painting remains at the core of her practice, Mary also explores how this visual language can move beyond the canvas through wearable art and hand-painted objects — extending colour, movement and connection into everyday life.
Together, these experiences shape a practice that translates human experience — vulnerability, resilience and connection — into colour, texture and movement, creating art that brings strength, joy and presence into the spaces we inhabit.
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.
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