Sidsel Colbjørnsen
Sidsel Colbjørnsen (b. January 25, 1942, Oslo) is a Norwegian textile artist renowned for her innovative approach to tapestry, integrating relief elements and exploring the interplay between surface and depth.
Education and Early Career
Colbjørnsen graduated from the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry (Statens håndverks- og kunstindustriskole) in 1962. She debuted at the Young Artists Society’s (Unge Kunstneres Samfund) Spring Exhibition in 1968 and held her first solo exhibition at Kunstnernes Hus in 1972.
Artistic Practice
Belonging to the generation of textile artists in the 1960s who broke away from traditional Norwegian tapestry, Colbjørnsen often works in relief, with surfaces extending both inward and outward toward the viewer. This technique is evident in works like “Torskehode” (1974), where she also abandons the rectangular format. She primarily uses self-dyed spelsau wool but has experimented with materials such as linen, nylon, and hemp in macramé techniques.
Notable Works and Commissions
Colbjørnsen has completed several public art commissions, including:
- Cruise Ship Royal Viking Sea (1973): Tapestry installation.
- Kristiansund Gymnasium (1975): Tapestry work.
- Aker Hospital, Oslo (1977): Textile installation.
- Ålesund Gymnasium (1978): Tapestry piece.
Exhibitions and Memberships
Colbjørnsen has participated in various group exhibitions, including the Autumn Exhibition (Høstutstillingen) in 1979 and the “Norwegian Textile Art in the 20th Century” at Henie-Onstad Art Centre in 1970. She is a member of the Association of Norwegian Visual Artists (Bildende Kunstneres Styre) and has served on juries for official exhibitions.
Personal Life
Colbjørnsen is married to painter Ørnulf Opdahl. They have collaborated on several exhibitions, including a comprehensive joint exhibition at Soli Brug in 2024, featuring her tapestries and his paintings.
Legacy
Through her innovative techniques and material experimentation, Sidsel Colbjørnsen has significantly contributed to the evolution of Norwegian textile art, challenging traditional boundaries and inspiring new generations of artists.