Meet Ellen K Willas Gallerist, curator and driving force in the world of photography art

There are people who possess a rare ability to make art feel both relevant and accessible without compromising artistic depth. Ellen K Willas is one of those people. With a natural warmth, broad knowledge and a genuine curiosity about people and stories, she has over two decades built something unique: a gallery where the world's most acclaimed photographers meet an audience that may never before have believed contemporary art was for them.

WILLAS contemporary was formally founded in 2015, but the story begins as far back as 2006 when Ellen organised curated pop-up exhibitions in Norway with many of the artists she still collaborates with today. Ellen has a background in finance, but chose to follow a deeper calling — to support artists and bring their visions to life. Her analytical sharpness combined with her artistic sensibility results in a gallery practice that is as professional as it is personal.

THE ARTISTS — A CONSTELLATION OF MASTERS

Among WILLAS contemporary's artists are Anton Corbijn, Anja Niemi, Arno Rafael Minkkinen, Cig Harvey, Helene Schmitz, James Nachtwey, Jimmy Nelson, Nick Brandt, Roger Ballen and Vee Speers — photographers whose work has shaped the visual language of our time. What they share is that they don't merely document the world; they challenge us to see it anew. Ellen doesn't only represent them commercially. She is their voice, their circle and their trusted advocate in the encounter with the public.

Ellen has her office at Ivar Stockholm/Klubben, and that is no coincidence. The importance of surrounding yourself with a beautiful, stimulating and serene environment naturally extends to your choice of workplace.

"The traditional gallery model belongs to another era. We want to be where the conversation happens — at the leading art fairs, in collaboration with artist space, and institutions. Our partnership with IVAR Stockholm, where we organise exhibitions, and events, is a perfect setup for us. Here we get to present some of the world's foremost photographers in one of Stockholm's most historic and beautifully designed environments. Between travels and fairs, we have our office and show room in the heart of Stockholm, where we welcome clients over coffee, lunch or dinner and host artist talks — in a place where the standard of service is second to none," says Ellen.

WILLAS ❤️ IVAR STOCKHOLM

Together, WILLAS contemporary and Ivar Stockholm are building an active art scene here in the iconic Tändstickspalatset, a place where more people can meet and engage with the work of these extraordinary artists. For us at Ivar Stockholm, it is a true privilege to have Ellen as part of our community. She is the kind of person who elevates every room she enters, not by taking up space, but by giving it to others. In the making of this portrait, she was eager to acknowledge her colleague Emmi Krisch Svärdby, who assists with the gallery's operations. It is entirely natural for Ellen to express appreciation for those she works with, it comes effortlessly.

In the Nordic region, Ellen is regarded as one of the most experienced and respected curators in photography — someone who has followed the evolution of the medium closely over several decades and helped shape how it is exhibited, collected and understood. We are truly delighted that a part of that work now takes place here with us at Ivar Stockholm. Thank you for the beautiful art, Ellen!

For enquiries regarding viewings, the photographers and their works, please contact Ellen here.