Kari Hjertholm

Kari Hjertholm (b. 1954) is a Norwegian textile artist based in Bergen, recognized for her large-scale textile works that blend poetic expression with monumental presence. After approximately 30 years of working primarily in black and white, she transitioned to vibrant color palettes, utilizing and advancing the tufting technique to create dynamic, layered compositions.

Artistic Approach

Hjertholm’s work is characterized by a tactile quality, aiming to engage both the eye and the mind. She employs tufting to produce a nuanced interplay between two layers of color, where a base hue interacts with a semi-transparent overlay, resulting in a rich, chromatic experience. During her creative process, she seeks a sense of musicality and harmony, allowing the material to shape light and create a shifting visual effect as viewers move around the piece.

Education and Career

Hjertholm studied at the Bergen School of Applied Art, the West Norway Art Academy, and the Valand Academy in Gothenburg. She has been an active exhibitor, with solo shows at venues such as the Telemark Art Center and participation in group exhibitions both domestically and internationally, including the Almgrens Sidenväveri och Museum in Stockholm and the 7th International Riga Textile and Fibre Art Triennial.

Collections and Commissions

Her works are included in several museum collections, including KODE Art Museums in Bergen, the National Museum in Oslo, and the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum. Hjertholm has also undertaken various public art commissions, such as the decoration of Bakkane Bo og Behandlingssenter in Skien.

Recognition

Throughout her career, Hjertholm has received numerous grants and awards, including the Norwegian Government’s Guaranteed Income for Artists (Statens Garantiinntekt). Her dedication to exploring the sensory and tactile aspects of textile art continues to make a significant impact on the field