We first met ‘RPK’ (short for Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar) when he entered the BLUGIALLO world as a particularly interested client of ours. Always full of ideas, hungry for knowledge and interest in everything from aesthetic filosophy and design, to fabric production and the craftsmanship behind our garments.

Fast forward a couple of years, at a time when visual stimuli bombard us from every direction, Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar stands as a thoughtful curator of artistic experience. His platform ‘The Art Bystander‘ connect people with the art world through dynamic cultural initiatives – a initiative we find genuinely inspiring. It’s our privilege to discover and uncover his story for PICCOLO PORTRAIT 004. 

Roland-Philippe’s creative journey began in fashion, where he discovered a platform for pushing boundaries and expressing individuality. Drawing inspiration from his French roots and formative years in London, he approaches clothing as a medium for storytelling and self-expression. His aesthetic favors monochromatic palettes—particularly midnight and dark blue—and combines traditional 1960s mod-inspired tailoring with modern Italian craftsmanship. This appreciation for quality and timeless design reflects his belief that fashion itself is an art form.

His wardrobe philosophy emphasizes the intersection of comfort and sophistication, often pairing precisely tailored pieces with casual elements like premium t-shirts, well-crafted denim, and carefully chosen sneakers. This approach mirrors his broader artistic philosophy: the harmonious blend of classical elements with contemporary sensibilities.

“To me, Tailoring is about curating pieces that tell a story, much like building an art collection. Each garment should serve a purpose while contributing to a larger narrative about who we are and how we move through the world,” he explains.

Today, Roland-Philippe’s career seamlessly bridges the creative and corporate worlds. His extensive experience in management consulting, innovation, and digital transformation has been instrumental in shaping his unique approach to the arts. His corporate career has equipped him with a deep understanding of change management and strategic growth, skills that he now applies in his work with cultural institutions and art advisory clients. Whether designing business strategies or curating art collections, Roland-Philippe leverages his dual expertise to foster innovation and create meaningful connections between people, art, and organizations.

Through The Art Bystander, Scandinavia’s largest independent art platform, Roland-Philippe explores the intricate relationships between creativity, spirituality, and the art market. The podcast and content hub transcends surface-level discussions to examine art’s emotional and spiritual dimensions, creating a space where collectors, artists, and enthusiasts can engage with art’s deeper meanings.

“Art is a bridge to the unseen,” he says. “It taps into the subconscious and connects us with the spiritual dimension of life. The best art doesn’t just speak to the eyes; it speaks to the soul. In our increasingly digital world, this connection to something deeper becomes even more crucial.”

The platform features conversations with influential figures like Sharon Stone, Ugo Rondinone, Joel Shapiro, Nicolas Hugo, and Simon de Pury. These discussions go beyond typical art world discourse, delving into personal experiences, creative processes, and the transformative power of artistic expression. Each episode aims to uncover the human stories behind the art, revealing how creative work can catalyze personal and societal change.

Roland-Philippe’s particular passion lies in Abstract and Neo-Expressionist art, movements that challenge conventional representation and embrace emotional directness. These styles align with his vision of art as a spiritual and transformative force, celebrating both emotive power and bold forms. His appreciation for these movements stems from their ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, speaking directly to viewers’ emotional and spiritual cores.

His Instagram presence serves as a carefully curated journey through different artistic movements, showcasing masters alongside emerging contemporary artists. Through thoughtful commentary and juxtaposition, he helps followers understand the continuing relevance of these artistic approaches in contemporary culture.

“Abstract art, in particular, has this remarkable ability to bypass our intellectual defenses,” Roland-Philippe notes. “It speaks a universal language of form, color, and emotion that resonates across cultural boundaries. Neo-Expressionism builds on this foundation, adding raw energy and cultural commentary that feels increasingly relevant in our complex world.”

As an art advisor and consultant, Roland-Philippe brings strategic insight and emotional intelligence to his work with private collectors, museums, and cultural institutions. His approach emphasizes the importance of building collections that transcend mere investment value to create meaningful narratives and emotional connections.

“The true value of art isn’t in the price tag; it’s in the story it tells and the way it connects us to the world and ourselves,” he explains. “When building a collection, we’re not just acquiring objects—we’re creating a dialogue between pieces that reflects and shapes our understanding of both art and life.”

His consulting work helps cultural institutions navigate modern challenges while preserving their essential mission. This includes developing strategies for digital engagement, expanding audience reach, and creating more inclusive programming—all while maintaining the integrity of their collections and cultural significance.

“Cultural institutions are the keepers of our collective heritage,” he notes. “My role is to help them evolve without losing sight of what makes them meaningful. In an era of rapid technological change, maintaining this balance becomes increasingly crucial.”

Roland-Philippe’s collaboration with Blugiallo exemplifies his belief in the connection between tailoring craftsmanship and artistic expression. This partnership explores how traditional craftsmanship can inform contemporary creative practices, celebrating the shared values of precision, quality, and innovative vision.

In early 2025, he will launch The Art Bystander Presents, a pop-up gallery concept debuting at the Blugiallo Showroom on Birger Jarlsgatan 2 in Stockholm. This initiative aims to break down traditional barriers between art and audience by presenting carefully curated exhibitions in unexpected spaces.

“I want art to be more approachable and less confined to traditional white-cube spaces,” he explains. “The pop-up gallery concept allows us to engage with people in unexpected ways and bring art into the rhythm of everyday life. It’s about creating moments of surprise and discovery that remind people of art’s potential to transform ordinary experiences.”

Each pop-up exhibition will feature a thoughtfully curated selection of works that challenge viewers’ expectations while remaining accessible to diverse audiences. The program will include interactive elements and educational components, furthering Roland-Philippe’s mission to make art an integral part of daily life.

For Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar, art remains a lifelong journey that bridges the material and spiritual worlds. His style—characterized by monochromatic looks, traditional tailoring, and relaxed silhouettes—mirrors his artistic philosophy: classic, nuanced, and perpetually evolving. This approach emphasizes the importance of authenticity and personal connection in both art and life.

“Art should be part of our daily lives, connecting us to ourselves, to each other, and to something greater,” he says. “It has the power to transform how we see the world and our place in it. This transformation doesn’t happen in isolation—it occurs through ongoing dialogue, exploration, and openness to new perspectives.”

Through his various initiatives, Roland-Philippe continues to invite audiences to engage with art not merely as observers, but as active participants in its transformative power. His work suggests that in an increasingly fragmented world, art’s ability to connect, challenge, and inspire becomes more vital than ever.

Looking ahead, Roland-Philippe envisions expanding The Art Bystander’s reach while maintaining its commitment to meaningful dialogue about art’s role in contemporary life. Through podcasting, consulting, and innovative exhibition concepts, he continues to bridge the gap between traditional art world institutions and contemporary cultural practices, always emphasizing art’s potential to enrich and transform human experience.