Mirroring Dreams: The Artistic Journey of Lisa Laurén's Animal Heads

Since 2011, Lisa Laurén has transformed dreams into vibrant animal head costumes for various high-profile productions. Based in Berlin, her work combines the artistry of textile design with a unique touch of whimsical creativity.

Lisa Laurén, an accomplished textile artist based in Berlin, has gained recognition for her striking and imaginative animal costume heads, uniquely crafted to manifest the dreams of performers. “When I get a request for an animal head, it’s like going on a play date for me,” Laurén describes. Her creative process transforms her clients’ visions into whimsical, colorful pieces that dazzle and captivate.

Currently residing in a spacious apartment overlooking a leafy street near the Spree River, Laurén finds inspiration in her childhood spent in a Swedish commune, where resourcefulness and imagination were daily necessities. Surrounded by her creations, which feature in numerous theatrical productions, Laurén aims to convey the spirit of her clients through her art. “I’m trying to condense somebody else’s dream and make it into something,” she explains while working on a clay fox head waiting for its next phase.

Laurén’s venture into creating animal heads started in 2011 when she was commissioned by the Komische Oper Berlin to develop costumes for Leos Janacek’s opera “The Cunning Little Vixen,” which prominently featured forest animals. Since then, her work has expanded beyond the realm of animal heads, contributing to various prestigious clients including Netflix, Apple TV+, and the Tate Museum in London.

Her talent for textile design is not only showcased through these vibrant costumes but also through her work on backdrops for stage productions and costumes for film and theater. Each of her costumed creations ranges in price from $2,500 to $3,500, reflecting the detailed craftsmanship and artistic vision that goes into every piece. As Laurén continues to blend her artistic prowess with theatrical design, she remains a sought-after figure in the world of performance art.