Knut Henrik Henriksen

Henriksen's practice reflects a deep interest in architecture and explores the ongoing impact of Modernism on contemporary art and architecture.

Biography of Knut Henrik Henriksen

Knut Henrik Henriksen was born in Oslo (Norway) in 1970. He studied at Oslo Tegne- og Maleskole from 1991 to 1993, attended Hochschule für bildende Kunst (Städelschule) in Frankfurt am Main in 1996, and Vestlandets Kunstakademi in Bergen from 1996 to 1997.

In 2017, the artist was nominated for the Lorch Schives Art Prize.

Henriksen has exhibited in institutions and created permanent public works around the world. His solo exhibitions have been held at various galleries and museums, including Vigeland Museet in Oslo, AdHoc in Bochum, Hollybush Gardens in London, Trondheim Kunstmuseum, Kunstverein Rosa Luxembourg Platz in Berlin, Bergen City Hall in Bergen, Galerie Denise Rene in Paris, and many more.

Additionally, Knut Henrik Henriksen's works have been featured in numerous group shows, including "Happy Mechanics" at Hollybush Gardens in London (2021), osloBIENNALEN 2019–2024 in Oslo (2019), "Minimalisme?" at Blomqvist Kunsthandel in Oslo (2018), "Some Thing" at Bar Babettes in Berlin (2017), among others.

Currently, the artist lives and works in Berlin, Germany.

Knut Henrik Henriksen's Famous Works 

The artist has produced numerous public works, including "Bird in Space" at Solli Plass in Oslo and "Full Circle" at Kings Cross St. Pancras Station in London. Other famous works include "Pink Skirt" (a site-specific intervention) and "Eyeliner" (an architectonic intervention).

"Full Circle" is a two-part artwork specifically created for King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground station. Installed in 2009 and 2011 as part of a major upgrade that included two new ticket halls, the work is an integral feature of the station. Each sculpture reflects the modernized station's distinctive architectural style and language, encouraging a re-evaluation of the site and a reconsideration of how the station has been designed to serve the contemporary city.

Knut Henrik Henriksen's Art Style

Knut Henrik Henriksen is recognized for his site-specific installations, which frequently draw from architecture and building traditions. His large-scale abstract works, composed of horizontal panels, serve as analog pixelations of historical paintings. These panels are meticulously painted in colors that closely match those of the original artworks, creating a modern reinterpretation of the historical compositions.

By translating the formal language of traditional craftsmanship into the context of contemporary production, Henriksen introduces play and experimentation into rule-bound craft practices. His use of inexpensive, artificial materials highlights the creation of emotional significance within architectural spaces.