Estelle Graf - Taxstjärt med Ostron

“For me, creating is about telling stories and testing one's observations. I like to offer small fragments from longer narratives or deep thoughts. That way, the viewer can fill in or attribute their own meaning to the work.”

In this work, a dachshund longs for a platter of oysters. At its core, the motif is about desire, but also about hierarchy.

The oyster carries a rich set of associations with luxury, refinement and sensuality. A dog, driven by simpler instincts and with far less regard for symbolic value, creates a delightfully disarming collision. Graf is interested in these moments of displacement, when what is elevated suddenly appears absurd.

Estelle Graf’s practice is defined by a satirical approach to storytelling through visual art. Known for blending humor with social commentary, she constructs worlds where anthropomorphic figures, often animals with human bodies, embody the contradictions of contemporary life. By using satire as a lens, she creates works that are comically poignant, at once entertaining and sharply reflective.

Her use of animal heads as characters functions as both a softening device and a tool for honesty. “It’s convenient to use an animal head to capture a character,” she explains. “It also automatically softens the tone, which makes it easier to be honest in the portrayal.” Through this visual strategy, Graf explores emotional and societal themes while inviting the viewer to reflect on human behavior and the absurdities of modern existence. Her works share fragments of stories that open up narrative possibilities, encouraging audiences to interpret and expand upon them.

Estelle Graf (b. 1994) lives and works in Stockholm. She began her career as an Art Director in Paris before developing her artistic practice, which has since been exhibited and sold internationally. Her work has been featured in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Elle Decoration and PLAZA Interior.