My POV: Emma Rach Syslak
Former student Emma Rach Syslak reflects on her time at FAA Sweden: old masters, museum trips, and the bonds that continue to inspire her award-winning art.
My POV: Emma Rach Syslak
Former student Emma Rach Syslak reflects on her time at FAA Sweden: old masters, museum trips, and the bonds that continue to inspire her award-winning art.
During the 2024/2025 academic year, we invited students—past and present—from the three-year program in drawing and painting to share personal reflections. We asked them to do three things: 1) show details from their daily practice, 2) share work from artists who have meant a lot to them, and 3) present themselves and their work. No editing. This is Emma Rach Syslak’s contribution.
In reflecting on my journey through FAA, I’m reminded of the incredible connections I’ve made—with my peers and the timeless wisdom of the old masters. Hours spent observing from life and studying techniques from the old masters have shaped my perspective and work. One of the most immersive learning experiences is creating master copies, which students are encouraged to do. This practice continues to influence my work today. This painting, inspired by Vermeer’s subtle rendering of form, blends those lessons with the legacy of past artists, enriching both my art and influencing how I teach today.
Our school trip to Denmark was a highlight, offering the opportunity to experience Danish art, and the breathtaking painting exhibit of Bertha Wegmann. Reading Woman at the Tea Table particularly caught my eye. Wegmann’s mastery not only in texture, but sense of space and emotional depth left a lasting impression. Seeing her work in person enabled me to connect with her art on a deeper, more personal level.
The school is nestled in the historic area of Kvarnbyn, a charming place that seems straight out of a fairy tale. A serene waterfall winds through the village, a source of inspiration for many paintings for students who attend. Student artworks adorn the walls of the school, a reminder of the inspirational community that are part of the school’s history.
Like any art school in any city, we often found ourselves at the local museum. Göteborg’s Konstmuseum became a familiar sanctuary, a place where we could immerse ourselves in a world of inspiration. Regular trips offered us the chance to sketch from timeless masterpieces and study composition to bring back to the studio. Beyond the artistic growth, these trips also fostered a strong sense of community.
One painting that always captivated me was Casting from Life by Édouard Dantan. The way he painted the intricacies of anatomy, the contrast between smooth skin and the textured fingers covered in plaster is masterful. I strive to evoke that same tactile sense in my own work—the feeling that if you reached out, you could truly touch it.
Another favorite at the Göteborg Konstmuseum was Hip Hip Hurrah by P.S. Krøyer. The painting perfectly captured the vibrant spirit of our museum trips, infused with the excitement of discovery and the camaraderie we shared. It felt like a visual reflection of the energy that defined those unforgettable moments in time.
This painting is a study from the model room at school. When our model suddenly quit, the lovely Pia stepped in. This is an example of an intense exercise in working with limited time- something that pushes you to focus on what truly matters and make quick, precise decisions. While students typically spend five weeks on a painting, this one was completed in just four days.
Painting Pia reminded me of my visit to the Varberg sauna. A place of well being and no judgement. Humans of all ages, stages, shapes and sizes come to bathe in the ocean and soak up the sun. Accepting and being at peace with your body is so empowering, especially when capturing all of the models that come to the school from all walks of life.
In 2024, Pia was exhibited in New York at the Salmagundi Club at the Humans 24 exhibit.
There is a place where I go to find objects. It is a sanctuary for old, forgotten memories that have been featured in countless paintings over time.
Just down the stairwell, and next door to the school in Sweden, there is a thrift store called Returum, where these objects can be found. Strange and curious things pass through those glass doors, many of which find new purpose as still-life subjects in our school. Some of these items remain within the walls of the academy, continuing to live on in student works, their stories evolving with each new hand that arranges and paints them.
This piece was inspired during my time at the Florence Academy of Art by my schoolmate and friend, who gave a presentation about embroidery and its cultural significance for women in Croatia. Intricate stitching patterns and techniques are passed down through generations, with mothers teaching daughters and grandmothers teaching granddaughters, creating a profound bond between generations. Through this piece, I aim to honor and celebrate the enduring connection between generations of women, woven together by love, tradition, and resilience.
In April 2024, “Mokosh” was exhibited in London, winning the Young Artist Award for the 212th Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours exhibition, and is also to be featured in the upcoming issue of International Artist Magazine.
Göteborg has left an indelible mark on my work. Most often I find myself reflecting on the time spent with kindred spirits in this city and at the school that has shaped so much of my journey. FAA Sweden is an ever-growing family, constantly changing with the seasons, yet always rooted in connection with art. It was here that I discovered not only love and lifelong friendship, but also a deep passion for painting and the history of materials.
This painting, Back to Your Heart, marked the beginning of a series inspired by my experiences in Sweden—capturing the essence of the memories and relationships that continue to resonate with me. This piece is a tribute to the enduring bonds we form, no matter where life may take us.
In 2024, Back to Your Heart won 1st honourable mention for the Portrait Society of America’s Future Generation Competition.
Text and image by Emma Rach-Syslak (unless credited in caption)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmaersart
Web: https://www.emmarachsyslak.com/
Read more
Read more
March 7, 2024
March 7, 2024