Hannah Ryggen

Hannah Ryggen (1894–1970) was a Swedish-born Norwegian textile artist renowned for her expressive tapestries that seamlessly blend personal narratives with potent political commentary. Born in Malmö, Sweden, she initially trained as a teacher and pursued painting studies under Fredrik Krebs in Lund. In 1923, she married Norwegian painter Hans Ryggen and relocated to Ørland, Norway, where she began exploring weaving as her primary medium.

Self-taught in textile arts, Ryggen utilized a standing loom crafted by her husband and dyed her yarns using locally sourced plants, emphasizing a deep connection to nature and traditional methods. Her works often addressed contemporary socio-political issues, including the rise of fascism, war atrocities, and social injustices, reflecting her pacifist and communist beliefs.

Among her notable works is “Vi lever på en stjerne” (“We Live on a Star”) from 1958, which adorned the Høyblokken building in Oslo’s government quarter and was damaged during the 2011 terrorist attack. Other significant pieces include “Etiopia” (1935), a response to Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia, and “6. oktober 1942” (1943), depicting Nazi occupation atrocities.

Ryggen’s contributions elevated tapestry from decorative craft to a medium for expressive fine art, making her the first Norwegian textile artist to have works acquired by the National Gallery and accepted into the Autumn Exhibition.

Her legacy endures through her impactful artworks housed in various museums, including the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum in Trondheim, which holds the largest collection of her pieces.