MS. RAFIKI

Ms. Rafiki is an interdisciplinary artist whose work bridges photography, beadwork, textiles, and text. Through her practice, she delves into themes of remembrance, healing, migration, and cultural storytelling. Rafiki is also the founder of the Oslo-based platform Rafiki Art Initiatives (RAI). Here are Rafiki’s art picks:

Kiyoshi Yamamoto - Sketches for tapestry/Reklame #9, 2022

“I love the elegant complexity in the work. I’m thinking about cold winter nights, Blues and spirituals. I also think about indigo and hope.”

Henrik Mikkelsgard - Halvpool, 2023

“It feels like where I need to be right now. Dreamy and fun.”

BRYAN HUBER

Bryan Huber is a digital marketing, analytics, and strategy dude. Bryan is also the Chief Revenue Officer of Bev/Art, a company dedicated to helping museums protect their collections with innovative sensor and software solutions. Here are Bryan’s art picks:

Terje Nicolaisen - Untitled (Warhol), 2014, silkscreen print, 6 colors, 56x76cm

“I’m originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the birth city of Andy Warhol and home of the Warhol Museum. I’ve always had a connection to his work.”

Anders Wunderle Solhøy - Lokal Byge, 2022, 65x60cm

“Too often art depicting city life is idealized and boring. This image puts me in the city streets as they are: messy, busy, and full of advertising. But there is life, and love, here that you can only see when things are presented as they really are.”

Hege Liseth - U.T., 2019, woodcut print on 150-gram acid-free paper, 42x59cm

“I had a chance to visit the Pacific Northwest of the US this summer for the first time. The size of the trees there is simply awe-inspiring, and gave me a new respect for untouched nature. This images brings me back to those memories.”

ODA VICTORIA REITAN

Oda Victoria Reitan is an artist who paints and writes between Los Angeles and Norway, and has exhibited both nationally and abroad. Here are her art picks:

Nina Grieg - Yonder #8, 2019, tar on paper, pallet straps, MDF, 149×197cm

"I’ve never seen a painting made by tar before, but the effect it creates is intriguing. Abstract painting was my first love and I am amazed how it is still able to surprise me. The combination of the material’s roughness and the harmony of the movement in Nina Grieg’s painting really draws me in."

Ansgar Valbø - Omsluttelse, 2020, photography, 308 g Hahnemühle Photo Rag, ed.10, 80x112cm

"I have always been obsessed with how a cold and hard material like stone can evoke the feeling of softness and human sensuality. Here perfectly captured through the lens by Ansgar Valbø - possibly the closest I’ll get to owning a Vigeland sculpture."

Jan Erik Willgohs - Rød dominans, 2020, acryl on canvas, 100x90cm

"All the red! This painting by Jan Erik Willgohs makes me feel alive. I only wish it was three times bigger!"

PEDER HAUGFOS

Peder Haugfos is a Creative Director, strategist and creative specializing in helping brands build trustful bonds with younger audiences. He’s was the head behind the successful campaign «Blomqvist x Unge Samlere» a community for young collectors, and also passionate collector of Roman statues and furniture.

Here are Peder’s art picks:

Mariken Kramer - Fra serien «Muscle, beefsteak...beefsteak run amok”, 2019, photo print in frame with non-reflective glass, edition of 3+1

“How often do you think about the Roman Empire? Well, quite often. I think this way of blending the past with the present was kinda aesthetic. If I’m not mistaken, the portrait of Marcus Aurelius carries deep symbolism, reflecting both his role as emperor and his status as a Stoic philosopher. Many depictions of him feature an introspective gaze that symbolizes his reflection and inner calm, which are central to Stoic philosophy. I appreciate this image, its blend of life and death, calm and contemplation.”

Jenny Hviding Visuals - Fuck the western canon, 2017, analog photography, 35mm, ed.15,

“I´m a sucker for classical art, but also modern pop culture. I find this peace aesthetic. In classical paintings; The frames were often densely packed with figures in various positions and emotional expressions. People were depicted lying down, standing, desiring, triumphant, or suffering, and these scenes were carefully composed to create dynamism and balance.

These paintings were often inspired by religious, mythological, or historical themes, where each character played a symbolic role in the narrative. In this picture we see the same intimate richness of detail in the movements that highly resonates but in another context.”

Michiel Jansen - 24 hours on Reinhaugen, 2023, 4 prints of 60 by 90 on Hahnemuhle FineArt Baryta 300 Satin paper, 90x60cm

“A clair concept. An honest attempt to catch the real sublime nature experience.”

MORTEN VISKUM

Morten Viskum is a Norwegian artist known for his thought-provoking exploration of life, death, ethics, and identity. Starting out as a veterinarian, Viskum has become a central figure in Norway’s contemporary art scene. He’s the founder of Vest Fossen Kunstlaboratorium and co-founder of Open Art Market which aims to make art investment accessible through fractional ownership. Read our interview with Open Art Market. Here's Morten's art pick:

Per Hess - Quantum Chromodynamics 01, 2015, Light object in glass tubes filled with neon/argon, cables, conductor, 2×100×6 cm

"I have a lot of art at home and in my collection, including works by more than 10 artists from Atelie. But I don’t have a light installation that fits in my home. I’ve followed Per Hess for many years and really admire his work, so this is what I’d love to find under the Christmas tree."

BJÖRN LAPAKKO

Björn Lapakko is Atelie’s Chief Commercial Officer.

“In general, I’m passionate about the people who create and build things—artwork, startups, etc. On a daily basis, I’m the Chief Commercial Officer at Atelie working to help artists build their business and brand as well as help people discover and purchase artwork from the best emerging artists. In my free time, I spend a lot of effort working to connect the Nordic and Japanese innovation ecosystems.”

Here are Björn’s art picks:

Victor Guzman - One of those days, 2016, drawing, 40x30cm


“I love optical tricks that really mess with your vision in a cool way—kind of like those “Magic Eye” posters—did you see the sailboat? (Context: This is Mallrats reference) “One of those days by Victor Guzman tickled this itch for me in the right way, which is how this piece ended up being my first purchase on Atelie. Its vibrant colors are perfect for brightening up my apartment during the long, dark winters in Norway—and its nostalgic, cartoonish style appealed to me, while also satisfying my partner’s love of dogs. If you also like optical tricks in artwork, I recommend also checking out Paul Helsegg.”

Sebastian Helling & Oda Broch - 2023, drawing, 21×29cm

"«Color and Chaos» ... this isn’t the name of the work, it is just how I describe to myself this particular series from Sebastian Helling and Oda Broch. I’m also hesitant to share this particular piece because I want it for myself."

Inga S. Søreide - Resignasjon, 2021, sculpture in acrylic resin, ceramics, and armature, 102×82×78cm

“For me, this sculpture has Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest vibes that I really like and if I had the bank roll, I’d have this in my indoor atrium next to my koi pond.

I would also recommend checking out the «Gift Ideas» section on https://atelie.art/ which provides a convenient way to find amazing art for friends and family“

LAURA-ANN MORRISON

Laura-Ann Morrison is a talented artist, curator, and art advisor in Atelie. Laura-Ann (b. 1991) lives and works in Oslo, and Accra, Ghana. Morrison has an education from the Norwegian School of Photography (2013), an exchange at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (2020) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Trondheim Art Academy (2021). Laura-Ann is represented by Galleri K and participated in numerous exhibitions both in Norway and abroad. Here are her art picks:

Cecilie Lind - Torso no 6, 2023, glazed porcelain, 48×8×32cm

"This sculpture, titled Torso, captures the essence of vulnerability and strength, emphasizing the torso as a pivotal part of the human form. The torso, much like the hands, reflects our instincts to protect or expose—whether in defense or in invitation. The sculpture’s intricate, knotted design suggests a body in flux, struggling to shape itself amidst tension and resistance. Its gold-glazed porcelain surface evokes a connection to my home, Ghana, where gold carries both cultural significance and a shadow of exploitation.

The piece echoes the ongoing crisis of Galamsey—illegal gold mining that is devastating Ghanaian communities and ecosystems. These unregulated operations pollute rivers, destroy fertile lands, and poison water sources with mercury and cyanide, threatening both livelihoods and health. Entire villages have been displaced, while the once-pristine bodies of water, like the Pra and Ankobra rivers, now bear the scars of greed and environmental neglect."

Annelen Røe and Eskil Bast - Å snu seg i skogen 4, 2021, a collaborative project. The photo is captured with a pinhole camera and developed using a portable darkroom at a mountain pasture in Hedmark in 2021.


"Lately, I’ve been deeply inspired by the works of Pierre Soulages. I’ve always had a strong connection to black—ink, soil, oil, hair, ashes, charcoal, the infinite vastness of the black universe, and also in my art. Soulages once said, “I paint with black but I’m working with light. I’m working with the light more than with the paint.” This sentiment is both profound and poetic, capturing the paradoxical brilliance of black as a canvas that reveals light.

This idea resonates deeply with the photograph, “å snu seg i skogen 4” (“to turn in the forest”), a work that embodies a similar interplay of darkness and illumination. The photograph invokes the mysterious, almost sacred experience of dwelling in the woods, where shadows and light intertwine, shaping our perception of depth and space.

The color black itself carries immense significance beyond its physical presence—it is the foundation of mystery, introspection, and resilience. In many cultures, black symbolizes the unknown, a place where transformation begins.

Black is not the absence of color but the sum of all potential, holding within it the power to absorb and reflect light, to create contrast and meaning. In this way the photograph becomes not just a representation of darkness but a meditation on the richness and vitality that black brings to the world."

Explore more art by Eskil Bast and Annelen Røe

Christian Berg Gravningen - Sunflowers, 2019, Oil and acryl on panel, 30x40cm

"I love flowers and sunflowers hold a special place in my heart. In this painting, I’m drawn to the deep, wavy strokes that seem to bring the sunflowers to life, almost as if they are caught amid wind and rain, enduring the passage of a stormy night. There’s a sense of resilience in their movement, as they yearn for the return of the sun.

What fascinates me most about sunflowers is their remarkable heliotropism—the way they turn toward the sun throughout the day, following its path across the sky. This instinctive movement, a dance with the light, embodies a hopeful persistence that feels profoundly human.

As I find myself longing for the summer and the warmth of the sun, this painting resonates with that yearning. Its vibrant yet turbulent energy captures both the beauty of the flowers and the strength they represent. I can imagine having this painting in my home, as a reflection of resilience, warmth, and the enduring pull of the sun."

KARI INDREGÅRD SUNDLI

Kari Indergård Sundli lives in London from Norway for the past 11 years, an art and design enthusiast working as a social media freelancer.

Elin Eriksen - Forest, 2022, oil on wooden plate, 30×30cm

"this is for whenever I would miss the nature of Norway when in London. Love the colours of this"

Maya Økland - Carioca cravings, 2020, photography, 135 × 167 cm

"I spent a lot of my childhood looking outside the window fantasising about the outer world and this takes me to Rio in an instant. I love that. How many people do you see at the beach? What are they doing? How are their life like? So many stories"

HEDDA KRISTINE BREMSETH

Hedda Kristine Bremseth is a performance artist, filmmaker, and stand-up comedian based in Stjørdal. She holds a film degree from the Nordland College of Art and Film in Lofoten and a master’s in fine arts from the Trondheim Academy of Fine Art.

Bremseth’s artistic practice is often relational, where the communication, conflict, creativity, and reflection that arise during the process are as significant as the final work. Her approach spans a wide range of artistic strategies and expressions, including fiction and documentary film, performance, stand-up comedy, and public installations. She is not afraid to tackle challenging themes, which, while sometimes creating resistance and complicating production, often result in stronger projects. Here are Hedda’s recommendations:

Jonas Greni - Fasaden, 2022, oil on canvas, 80x110cm

"It’s hard to describe Greni and his paintings, but maybe they reflect his introverted skate persona? If you want to live the rest of your life as an eternal art student or collector, I highly recommend Jonas."

Matilda Höög - Brottstycke, 2021, needle-felted wool on a styrofoam board, 44×50x5cm

"Matilda is incredible—her techniques, skills, and confident artistry are so inspiring. She captures the human and interpersonal beautifully, and I feel a kinship in her work. If you’re going to buy art, you should absolutely invest in Höög."

Per Teljer - The neighbour, 2024, Acrylic and lacquer on wood, 19x22cm

"Per Teljer is undoubtedly one of my favorite artists, both for his humanity and his expressions. In recent years, he’s created paintings that evoke a humorous yet dark misanthropy. Should we laugh at it? Hehe. I recommend buying his works for your cabin, bedroom, or anywhere as a reminder of the human darkness, the social games we play, and the inescapable loneliness (and foolishness) of the individual."

ELIZABETH MATRE-AAS

Elizabeth Matre-Aas is the founder of the new Norwegian furniture brand Matre @matre.world . Passionate about Norwegian design, Elizabeth has secured production rights for iconic works by Fredrik Kayser, Sigurd Resell, and Knut Sæther. Matre is dedicated to promoting new Norwegian design while preserving design heritage. Elizabeth has always worked in design and is particularly fascinated by how the objects around us shape our lives and experiences. Here are Elizabeth’s artist recommendations:

Henrik Mikkel Mikkelsgård - Ryggrad, 2024, painting on canvas with frame, 40×50cm,

"I admire how he highlights cultural heritage in his work, clearly inspired by Norwegian nature, people, and traditions—closely aligned with what we focus on at Matre. He presents something familiar, beloved, and Norwegian but in a fresh, innovative way. I especially appreciate his bold use of color to convey mood in his art. Right now, I’m particularly captivated by how he captures the beauty of winter and nature in the Februar series."

Regine Stensæth Josefsen - Drivved, 2019, acryl on MDF, 34x44cm

"Regine actively uses humor in her work, capturing everyday moments and turning the ordinary into something beautiful. She has a talent for conveying the atmosphere of a space and seems deeply aware of how the objects around us influence our lives.

Her work reminds me of Harriet Backer, who has been a big inspiration for me recently after seeing her exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. I especially love the piece Drivved. It takes me back to summer—to floating on an air mattress in the sea—is there anything better? Right now, during these dark winter days, I find it especially comforting to dream of summer light and warmth."

Una Hunderi - Kaia, her father and her little sister, 2019, analog c-print, 70x70cm

"I have always loved photography, and Una’s work resonates deeply with me. She captures the beauty of the everyday—the close and simple moments of life. Her images convey the essence of life itself, highlighting the small elements of daily life that we often overlook. It’s a meaningful reminder, and the atmosphere in her photos is always warm and personal.

Una draws clear inspiration from Norwegian nature and architecture, which are also significant sources of inspiration for me. I especially love her Born Free series—it speaks to me and what I consider important in life."

SILVANY BRICEN

Silvany Bricen is a Norwegian singer, model, TV host, and holistic beauty advocate. She’s is passionate about beauty, wellness, food, and art, and currently works as a beauty editor at Costume Norge. Here are Silvany’s art picks:

Paul Hellsegg, LUX Solaris, 2024, Printed on acid-free Hahnemühle Photo Rag 190/310 gram.

“Paul Hellsegg’s art Lux Solaris, reminds me of the sun. This piece has been on my wishlist for several years. Hopefully, 2025 will be the year I become the owner of one of his colorful yet quiet pieces of art.”

Vladimir Longauer - Out stealing horses, 2007, Book cover 'Ut og stjæle hester' by Per Petterson. Fujifilm Neopan 400, 120 bw negative film, A2 giclee print, edition of 7, 42x60cm


“I don´t ride myself, but have alwys been captivated to the face of horses.
Vladimir Longauer «Out stealing horses» shows the beauty of this amazing animal.”

Eline Smith - Inner energy I, 2021, acryl on canvas, 100x100cm

“Not sure what to say about this painting, but it give me a good feeling. «Inner energy I» on my beig walls it will surely stand out.”

DAMIAN PODHORODECKI

Damian Podhorodecki is a personal trainer, photographer, art lover, and traveler. Known for his fitness and lifestyle photoblogging, as well as modeling, he recently relocated to London and has been exploring Atelie to find artwork to fill his new home. Here are Damian’s art picks:

Bodil Drange Pedersen - Etter tung snø kom våren II, 2024, dry pastel on Fabriano graphic paper. 107 × 148 cm

Petra Rahm - Dagane (1), 2022, paper collage, part of a series of eight works. Framed with museum glass. 42×60 cm

Cecilia Riis Kjeldsen - Self Portrait, 2018, 3D scan photographic Fine Art print. Limited edition of 15. available in different sizes

ARE CARLSEN

Are Carlsen is a self-taught photographer specializing in architecture, art photography, fashion, and reportage. Are spent 10 years based in New York, a period that inspired a documentary film and an upcoming book. Recently, he has focused on documentary and architectural book projects in the Global South, alongside fashion editorials and art photography in Norway. Here are Are’s art picks:

Jo Michael de Figueiredo - Blindspots #150708-50, 2015, archival Pigment Print, 130x102cm

"Jo Michael is a photographer I’ve always admired. He draws inspiration from the still life and surrealist styles of the 1920s and 1930s. His work is stylish and skillfully executed."

Una Hunderi - Freilerner, 2019, Archival pigment print, 25x30cm

"As a photographer who has always explored the medium closely, children have been a beloved subject for me. Una Hunderi’s stunning photograph of a child (perhaps her own?) diving captures the magic of these moments perfectly. It resonates deeply with me."

Paul Hellsegg - LUX Rouge, 2023, Oil painting on canvas, 180x180cm

"Paul Hellsegg’s pieces are exceptional in craftsmanship, modernist in a unique way, and beautiful in their sensitivity to light"

CHRISTIAN VON HANNO

Christian von Hanno is the co-founder daily manager of Atelie. After growing up next to Munch’s atelier at Ekely, Christian debuted at Høstutstillingen in 2004 before studying at Einar Granum Kunstfagskole. Later, he pursued a career as a service designer and entrepreneur, now combining his passions to develop Atelie.

Henrik Mikkelsgård - Skyggen, 2024, 57x75cm, Pastel on paper with beech wood frame and artglass

"When Henrik stopped by Atelie Studio recently, I was immediately captivated by his new works. Starting with a digital composition and then reworking the pieces with oil pastels, Henrik creates a completely unique expression. These works bring me a sense of calm and reminds me of how beautiful winter landscapes can be, with their colors shaped by light and shadow. I want all three of them in my home."

JØRGEN SELLEVOLD

Jørgen Sellevold, a Trondheim-based artist and student at the Trondheim Academy of Fine Art, reveals the artworks he dreams of owning:

Jeanette Lafontine – THE MOON AND THE TREE, 2023, acrylic on paper, 48 x 36 cm

“I love the colors, especially ❤️ but also her brushstrokes and lines. They have energy, life, and soul. I liked all of her works, but the colors in this one really speak to my palette 😊.”

Hanna Fauske – Slangen, 2022, photography, 50 x 70 cm

“I want more of Hanna Fauske’s animal-human figures! I already have one, and this is next on my list 😊. Full of colors and fun—just like the rest of my home.”

Ole Fredrik Hvidsten – Mens han seilet, var hun igjen i stormen, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 180 x 350 cm

“I love this. It’s full of energy, color, and humor. Playfulness is something I like to implement in my own work, and I really appreciate art that expresses a sense of play.”

ODA BROCH

Oda Broch is an artist and acting director at Trafo Kunsthall. Here are her art picks:

Elisabeth Mathisen - Sorgarbeid hode, 2017, drypoint printed on 300-gram paper, 24x30cm

“Elisabeth Mathisen’s series of etchings “Sorgarbeider” from 2017 are some of the most powerful images I know of. There is a presence and a direct approach in the abstract and contrasting shapes, that won’t leave you unmoved.”

Anne Siv Falkenberg Pedersen - Surf drawing, 2024, Ink and markers on 640gr. watercolour paper, 56x76cm

“In these times, during the darkest months of winter in Norway, some of us need a reminder of brighter days ahead. Anne Siv Falkenberg Pedersen’s «Surf drawing» gives immediate associations to salty water and long summer nights.”

Lars Sandås – Dove of Peace (Hommage to Maria Prymachenko), 2023, Woodcut, limited edition, 76x56cm

“Lars Sandås’ ornamented Peace Dove is at the top of my wish list this year. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza is horrific. For those of us born in the eighties and later, the idea of world peace has never seemed farther away. Nevertheless, the Peace Dove flies with a message of hope and reminds us to engage for a better future.”

MADELEINE HEYMAN

Madeleine Heyman is a Swedish painter based in Trondheim. Madeleine’s work explores questions related to the subconscious, the body, and the skin, often manifested through her consistent use of nude, flesh-like tones in her paintings.

"Its hard to pick only three works that I feel need a shout out, out of 982 artists and practise. But here are three works/artist that have caught my eye."

Lena Trydal - How do you like it? (xy), 2022, oil on canvas, 24x30cm

"I have followed Lenas work for a while and always really admire her works.The technical skills and the historical references that focus on the world today. With the bright colours and humor my eyes is automatically drawn to it."

Manuel Portioli - Vandring, 2020, acryl and oil on canvas, 130x150cm

"Manuel Portioli´s work I haven’t seen before, and the series of landscape painting is something that reminds me of the art from my childhood. The way Manuel works with the colors in the landscapes makes it different, and I really fancy it."

Charlotte Rostad - Burns archive, 2016, pencil on paper, 25x37cm

"I’ve always loved drawings, and Charlottes works I’ve seen live and really admire. The motifs are both personal, but also found material, and all is a part of a personal story and the history of others. The works are very detailed and often in large formats, but also in smaller ones as ”Burns Archive” which would be my pick of her works here at Atelie."

LILLIAN AYLA ERSOY

Lillian Ayla Ersoyhas 20 years of expertise as an award-winning creative director, curator, and designer. She is the founder and director of Novooi a curated marketplace for contemporary design and interiors, showcasing over 100 of Norway’s acclaimed designers and brands. Here are Lillian‘s art picks:

Rasmus Stride -Postcard from my last daydream, 2023, 3D videowork 1/1 available as NFT, Minted on the Ethereum Blockchain.

"Rasmus Stride is one of my favorite digital artists, that we have so worked with through NOVOOI. I want to walk through his surreal landscapes he creates."

Erik Formoe - Avatar 27, 2023, acrylic on plywood, 20x20cm

"Something ghostly about this artwork that represents all that is unsaid, perhaps a misunderstood image of a man. Our shadow self."

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to our art calendar this year!

Would you like to share yourAtelie art recommendations or your personal art wish list? Please feel free to share your picks with opinions here. Anyone we choose to feature will receive an Atelie gift card redeemable on select artwork in ourEditionsorAtelie Studio.

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