Marianne Mannsåker

Marianne Mannsåker (b. 1951) is a Norwegian visual artist specializing in painting, drawing, and textile art. Her work is distinguished by a seamless integration of traditional techniques with contemporary themes, often exploring the interplay between line and space.

Education and Early Career

Mannsåker studied painting and textile art at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry (SHKS) in Oslo from 1972 to 1976. She furthered her education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland, focusing on painting and tapestry from 1981 to 1984.

Artistic Practice

Initially, Mannsåker translated her paintings and drawings into tapestries, aiming to “paint with thread.” In recent years, she has reversed this process, allowing her experiences with tapestry to inform her drawings and paintings. Her preferred mediums include watercolors, gouache, and acrylics, often combined with pastels, chalk, charcoal, and colored pencils on paper or canvas. She also incorporates elements of photography and embroidery, viewing the latter as a form of slow drawing.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Mannsåker has held numerous solo exhibitions, including:

“Licorne” (2022): Held at Kunstbanken in Hamar, this exhibition drew inspiration from the iconic 15th-century tapestries “La Dame à la Licorne” (The Lady and the Unicorn) at the Musée de Cluny in Paris. Mannsåker’s work featured botanical themes and reflected the Mille Fleurs tapestry tradition, incorporating drawing, painting, and embroidery.

“I ettertid” (1999): Also at Kunstbanken, this exhibition showcased her tapestries and watercolors, emphasizing her exploration of line and form.

Her works have been included in various group exhibitions, such as the Nordic Textile Triennials and shows at venues like Tegnerforbundet in Oslo.

Public Commissions and Collections

Mannsåker has completed several public art commissions, including:

• Sør-Odal New Town Hall (2010): Created artworks for the new municipal building in Skarnes.
• Moer Chapel, Ås (2009): Won a closed competition to design art for the chapel.

Her works are part of public collections, including the National Museum of Norway and various municipal art collections.

Publications

In 2022, Mannsåker released the monograph “Linjer.Felt” (“Lines.Fields”), featuring essays by Stine Berg Evensen and Line Ulekleiv. The book examines her recent works and artistic evolution, providing insights into her creative process and thematic explorations.

Recognition and Legacy

Throughout her career, Mannsåker has received numerous grants and awards, including multiple stipends from the Norwegian Cultural Council and the Visual Artists’ Fund. Her innovative approach to integrating traditional textile techniques with contemporary art forms has significantly influenced the Norwegian art scene, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the convergence of craft and fine art.