Mari-Helene Hvalbyen
I am a fine artist and illustrator, based in Oslo.
My work is quick, immediate, fun, organic drawing and painting with ink, UV, acrylic paint and posca´s.
I am passionate about creating work that convey story, raw, authentic emotion, empathy and vulnerability. Exploring the external/internal landscape, psychology, the spiritual and physical planes.
Fascinated by contemporary shamans, drawing a bridge between rave culture, ancient ritual.
I am currently writing / illustrating a graphic novel and most of my work is based on my writing.
I love vivid color, contrasts, creative composition, bold strokes and playful, sensitive lines.
Inspired by Tove Jansson, Drum & Bass, techno, the characters that show up, life experience, chaos, black metal, comic books and details.
Commissions
2021 Klassekampen, bokmagasinet 2017 MDG Miljøpartiet De Grønne
Live Art performance
2022 Under the Rug Vol. 2 2021Under the Rug Vol. 1 2021 Monument Festival 2021 New Nordic Burn Festival 2021 The Cuban Strikes Back Festival 2020 Extra Delicious, Oslo 2016 Wonderland, London 2015 Planet Angel, London
Exhibitions
2022 Esperanto, Oslo, solo exhibition Interactions with the party spirit
2021 Oslo comic XPO
2020 Galleri Kunstgress, Oslo, solo exhibition, The Starship
2018 Galleri Fineart Oslo group exhibition, Summer exhibition
Education
2011-2014 Kingston University London, Illustration (BA Hons)
2009-2011 Asker School Of Art, foundation course
Membership Tegnerforbundet NBK
Grants Stipend Norsk Illustrasjonsfond