In mid March 2023, Natalia Sikora, volunteer at the Olivier Cornet Gallery, wrote about Annika Berglund's Information Networks I, a vibrant work in felted wool. This work is available for purchase (950 euro).

"Information Networks I is one of artist Annika Berglund’s newer art works that I had the opportunity of viewing at the Olivier Cornet Gallery prior to its appearance in any exhibition. The work may be viewed however in the gallery Storage Area or as we like to refer to it - ‘Treasure Trove’. 

According to Berglund, this poignant art work is representative of the concept ‘...of communication and how the bridging of the gap between ourselves and the world depends on the interpretation of signals’. The artist defines communication as the connection between us as individuals with the rest of the world. Furthermore, she highlights the challenges of communication which requires the interpretation of often fragmented messages. 

Berglund creates a visual for this process as ‘mining for the “golden nuggets” of understanding and connection’ which is beautifully represented by the bands of gold and silver plated silk thread spread across the fibres stretching over the depression in the panel. Only a single silver ring can be seen in the centre, potentially suggesting a special type connection with a personal meaning for the creator. The ligament-like ropes create an organic form reminiscent of a flesh wound and its healing journey as each side is seemingly being pulled to each other in an attempt to bridge the gap. In a sense, this image can be interpreted as an attempt of the individual to find their place in the world and their community as well as an appeal to humanity for a mutual interpersonal understanding.

The materials utilised for the creation of Information Networks I also comprise of felted Merino wool and cotton thread which contrast her previously preferred medium - ceramics. Berglund has worked with clay and exhibited her works since 1999 which have been appreciated at multiple Ceramics Ireland shows since 2002, and Sculpture in Context exhibitions. Additionally, her works have been displayed at Olivier Cornet Gallery numerous times since 2012, making her one of the first artists to have been represented by Olivier Cornet.

The artist’s transition from hard to soft materials fully developed at the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic however the idea was born even before the lockdowns as a means of exploration of sustainable and eco-friendly media such as felt and mulberry paper. This turbulent and isolating time affected us all in different manners. Evidently it also left a mark on Berglund’s oeuvre and shifted her creative approach. The use of felted fabric built from interlocked fibres strongly holding the art pieces together further highlights the significance of connection in the light of physical limitations due to the spread of the virus."