Carin Wessel

Carin Wessel, born on June 11, 1944, in Oslo, Norway, is a distinguished textile artist renowned for her vibrant tapestries that harmoniously blend traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. She was raised in an artistic environment; her mother, Birgit Wessel, was a recognized textile artist, and her father, Bjarne E. Wessel, was an interior architect.

Wessel pursued her education at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry (1964–1968), studying under Kjellaug Hølaas. She furthered her studies at Nyckelviksskolan in Stockholm (1971–1972), where she developed a holistic approach to monumental textile art.

Establishing her studio at Frysja in Oslo, Wessel has become a significant figure in decorative textile art. Her works predominantly utilize the ikat weaving technique (Ikat, meaning “to tie” or “to bind” in Indonesian), emphasizing dynamic color compositions. She has completed numerous public art commissions, including the expansive “Ad Astra” (1998) at Oslo Airport Gardermoen, measuring 23 meters in length and 14 meters in width.

Wessel’s tapestries are featured in several public collections, such as the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo and the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum in Trondheim. She has also collaborated with artists like sculptor Geir Stormoen and glass artist Karen Klim on various projects.

Throughout her career, Wessel has participated in numerous exhibitions, including solo shows at Kunstnerforbundet in Oslo (1983, 1994, 2005) and group exhibitions like the Nordic Textile Triennial in Tournai, Belgium (1997).

Carin Wessel continues to live and work in Oslo, contributing to the evolution of textile art through her innovative use of traditional techniques and vibrant color palettes.