Ellen Lenvik

Ellen Lenvik, born on August 9, 1946, in Harstad, Norway, is a distinguished textile artist known for her innovative tapestry work. She pursued her education at the Edinburgh College of Art from 1969 to 1973, earning a Post-Graduate Diploma in 1973.

Lenvik’s artistic practice is characterized by free-form tapestries featuring large, striking expanses of long pile, often utilizing black-gray wool with accents of vibrant colors. Her work explores material contrasts, juxtaposing light, ephemeral elements with heavy, substantial textures. Many of her abstract motifs are inspired by natural experiences, particularly the landscapes and flora of Northern Norway. For instance, her piece “I juli blomstrer valmuen, kjærlighetens blomst” (In July, the Poppy Blooms, the Flower of Love) (1981) draws inspiration from the region’s flora.

Throughout her career, Lenvik has participated in numerous exhibitions, including solo shows at the Northern Norway Festival in Harstad (1975), Tromsø Museum (1977), and Galleri Tanum in Oslo (1980). Her works have been featured in group exhibitions such as the Nordic Textile Triennial at Kunstnernes Hus in Oslo (1980) and the International Textile Triennial in Łódź, Poland (1981).

Lenvik’s contributions extend to various public art commissions, with her works displayed in institutions like Harstad Hospital, Harstad Town Hall, and Kirkenes Hospital. Her pieces are also part of collections at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo and the Scottish Arts Council.

In recognition of her artistic achievements, Lenvik has been awarded several grants, including the State Artist Grant in 1974 and the Astrid Aasen’s Gift Grant in 1978. She has also served in various professional roles, such as a member of the Young Artists’ Society and the Oslo Visual Artists Association.

Ellen Lenvik continues to be an influential figure in Norwegian textile art, celebrated for her unique approach to tapestry and her dedication to exploring the interplay between materiality and natural inspiration.