Randi Heitmann Hjort

Randi Mette Heitmann Hjorth (1948–2024) was a Norwegian textile artist renowned for her abstract and symbolic tapestry works. Educated at the Bergen National Academy of the Arts (1969–1972), she dedicated her career to textile art, focusing primarily on tapestry.

Artistic Practice

Hjorth’s creations are characterized by an abstract and symbolic visual language, often incorporating recognizable figurative elements. She employed various techniques, including fabric printing, etching, and embroidery, to enhance her tapestries’ expressive quality. Her works frequently addressed contemporary issues, aiming to shed light on topics she believed deserved attention.

Notable Works and Commissions

Throughout her career, Hjorth completed numerous public art commissions, including:

• “Flora” (1980): A tapestry featuring an abstract and symbolic design with elements from nature, inspired by Svalbard’s unique environment and light across seasons.
• Church Textiles: Created liturgical garments and decorative textiles for various churches, such as chasubles, stoles, and pulpit cloths for Berg Church in Skaland (2001) and a bishop’s travel cope for the Nidaros Diocese (2008–2009).

Exhibitions and Memberships

Hjorth’s works were featured in several solo and group exhibitions, including:

• Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum (1990): Solo exhibition showcasing her tapestry art.
• “Verdensveven/Weave World Wide” Project: Participated in multiple exhibitions under this project, such as “About Women and Suffrage” at Galleri Rød, Halden Kunstforening (2013).

She was a member of several professional organizations, including the Norwegian Visual Artists (NBK) and the Norwegian Textile Artists (NTK).