Sissel Blystad

Sissel Blystad (b. June 30, 1944, Oslo) is a Norwegian textile and visual artist renowned for her innovative approach to textile art, blending traditional weaving techniques with contemporary expressions.

Education and Early Career

Blystad studied at the National Academy of Craft and Art Industry in Oslo (1964–65) and the National College of Art and Design in Bergen (1968–70).

Artistic Practice

Initially recognized for her weaving, Blystad’s early works featured large tapestries woven on flat looms using satin weave techniques in Finnish linen, characterized by horizontal stripes of varying widths and bold color schemes that created strong optical effects.

From 2005 to 2019, she explored techniques where laces or yarns were glued onto textile surfaces or cardboard, creating formats she termed “limeteppe” (glue carpet) and “limepapp” (glue cardboard).

Notable Works and Commissions

One of Blystad’s most prominent works is “Landskap” (2005), a tapestry installed in the Vandrehallen of the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget).

She has also completed public art commissions for institutions such as the University of Bergen and Norges Handelshøyskole.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Blystad has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally, including solo exhibitions at Kunstnerforbundet in Oslo (2002) and HESTER in New York (2016).

Her works have been featured in group exhibitions such as “Ode to a Dishrag, Hymn to a Tiger” at Kunsthall Stavanger (2018).

Legacy

Through her innovative techniques and material experimentation, Sissel Blystad has significantly contributed to the evolution of Norwegian textile art, inspiring new generations of artists.