Vebjørg Hagene Thoe
Vebjørg Hagene Thoe (b. April 21, 1953, Fredrikstad, Norway) is a Norwegian textile artist and visual artist renowned for her tapestries and installations that explore themes of nature, folklore, and cultural narratives.
Education and Early Career
Thoe studied psychology in Oslo in 1974 before pursuing art at the Academy of Fine Arts ‘Jan Matejko’ in Krakow, Poland, from 1975 to 1977 and again from 1983 to 1985.
Artistic Practice
Her tapestries, woven in the gobelin technique, are inspired by Polish textile art and crafted with self-spun and dyed wool. Thoe’s motifs often revolve around human figures, bird life, and the Lofoten sea, occasionally drawing from folk tales.
Notable Works and Projects
Thoe has completed several public art commissions, including works for Leknes Bo- og Servicesenter and Harstad Bibliotek.
She is also the author of “Den forsvunne diamanten,” a book documenting an art project that examines Norway’s footprint in Africa.
Galleri 2
In 1999, Thoe co-founded Galleri 2 in Stamsund with her husband, artist Scott Thoe. The gallery, located in a century-old laundry building near the Hurtigruten dock, showcases both Norwegian and international artists, as well as works by its founders.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Thoe has held solo exhibitions at venues such as Galleri Nord-Norge in Harstad and the National Museum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Her works have been featured in group exhibitions, including the Northern Norway Art Exhibition.
She has received numerous scholarships and awards, including the Ulrik Hendriksen Memorial Award and the Vestvågøy County Culture Prize.
Teaching and Influence
Beyond her artistic practice, Thoe has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam and led workshops for the UMOJA Project in Mozambique and South Africa, contributing to the education and inspiration of emerging artists.
Legacy
Through her innovative textile art and dedication to cultural exchange, Vebjørg Hagene Thoe has significantly contributed to the Norwegian art scene, fostering a deeper appreciation for textile traditions and contemporary expressions.