Hjärta Smärta

Hjärta Smärta is a graphic design and illustration firm in Stockholm, Sweden. The firm is run by Samira Bouabana and Angela Tillman, both residents of Stockholm. Hjärta Smärta, which translates into “Heart” and “Pain,” mostly works with advertising firms, magazines, various cultural institutions in Sweden, and other clients as well. The firm has worked with varying materials and sizes, including books, graffiti wallpaper, furniture and interior design.

Hjärta Smärta has done independent work as well, emerging from opportunities and ideas. Hjärta Smärta’s style of art is using objects and images with a certain simplistic beauty in them and arranging them into a new and creative way. One idea was working with was figuring out a way to use the 3D puzzles in a more interesting way, such as making a large mural or an entire room made out of puzzles. Another independent idea was to redesign or craft 14 pairs of ladies shoes, one pair each day, and assemble them into a shoe diary.