Karin Sundbye

Karin Sundbye (12 May 1928 – 15 September 2024) was a distinguished Norwegian textile artist whose innovative works significantly contributed to the elevation of textile art within the broader art community. Born in Oslo, she initially pursued painting but discovered during her studies at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry that textiles were her true medium of expression.

In 1959, Sundbye debuted as a craft artist, establishing her own workshop where she produced printed fabrics, banners, and church textiles. Over time, she transitioned to focus primarily on tapestry weaving, advocating for the recognition of textile art on par with painting and sculpture. Her efforts led to her acceptance into the Young Artists Society in 1962 and, in 1975, she became the first textile artist to serve on the jury for the Autumn Exhibition.

Sundbye’s artistic journey included exploring freer visual effects within traditional weaving techniques. A pivotal moment was her invitation to the Art Protis studio in Brno, Czechoslovakia, in 1970, where she experimented with collages of carded and dyed wool, creating tapestries with rich textures and optical color blends. Her works often featured abstract forms and a restrained color palette, with recurring motifs like the sun and natural elements, exemplified in pieces such as “Spansk sol” (“Spanish Sun”) and “Solvind” (“Solar Wind”).

Throughout her career, Sundbye’s tapestries were showcased in numerous public spaces and are part of esteemed collections, including the National Museum of Norway and the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum. Her dedication to the textile medium and her innovative techniques have left a lasting impact on Norwegian art.