Ebba Bozorgnia on why emotion matters more than trend

Ebba grew up in England, where museums were a part of everyday life. Art was never distant or intimidating – it was simply woven into the fabric of daily life. She studied art history and graphic design, and in the 1990s began her career at Lars Bohman Gallery. She later ran her own gallery and worked as an art advisor, before returning to the auction world. Her broad experience across both primary and secondary markets has given her a rare insight into the art world – from both a seller’s and a buyer’s perspective.

“I’ve worked across different corners of the art market, and it’s taught me how crucial background and context are to a work of art,” says Ebba.

Art should move you

For Ebba, the philosophy is simple: art should evoke a reaction. The most valuable piece isn’t always the prettiest – it’s the one that engages and stirs you.

“Art shouldn’t pass unnoticed. It should provoke something, and sometimes it’s the unexpected purchase that ends up being the most rewarding,” she explains.

At Stockholms Auktionsverk, Ebba oversees everything from consignment to sale. Yet what she enjoys most is advising clients. Providing them with information and guidance helps them make confident choices – whether seasoned collectors or buying their first piece.

“My goal is always to help clients acquire the best art possible within their budget. Equally important is understanding not just what they like, but what they don’t,” she adds.

Think long-term, not trends

Ebba stresses that buying art should be driven by curiosity and personal engagement, not by fleeting trends or chasing prices. While trends can depress value, a unique piece often retains or even increases its worth over time. The key is that the purchase is both joyful and meaningful.

Auctions offer a rare chance to immerse oneself in art. Visitors can see works up close, experience them in context, and access detailed information on provenance and history – almost like a museum, but with everything for sale.

Ebba’s own collection is eclectic, ranging from old masters and contemporary design to Persian rugs and icons, yet she has a particular eye for contemporary art.

“Contemporary art mirrors our times, which are currently both brutal and quirky – and you can see that in the works themselves,” she says.

For those beginning their own art journey, her advice is straightforward: see as much art as possible, and allow it to move you. That’s where the most rewarding purchases begin.