The Norwegian Sculptors’ Association is proud to present a large retrospective exhibition of Norheim’s work, from the very first works of the academy era to brand new sculptures from the studio in Denmark. My ship is loaded with life is the largest presentation of Norheim in Norway ever, and fills the entire villa and the sculpture park with powerful figures in concrete.
Women’s creative power, fertility, desire and life experience have been central elements in Norheim’s artistry right from the start. In an often symbolic idiom, she depicts female figures and human experiences, whether it concerns finding oneself, caring for a child, protecting oneself and others, or finding closeness with another human being. Often the sculptures are so large that the public can walk into, board or sit on their laps.
In Marit Benthe Norheim’s universe, anything is possible. Her art stops traffic, sails across borders, breaks rules and provokes – but can also embrace, sing, dance, give birth and love. In Norheim’s work, we as participants receive the invitation to think big. Through works such as Rullende engler, Campingkvinner and Life-Boats, Norheim reminds us that together we can achieve most things.
MARIT BENTHE NORHEIM (b. 1960) is a Norwegian artist who has lived in Denmark since 1996. She has been responsible for a large number of public decorations in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Greenland, Iceland and Great Britain. After a year’s apprenticeship with Gunnar Torvund, she was educated at the Vestlandets Art Academy, Bergen (1980–1984, one of the years traveling in Europe) and at the Royal Academy of Arts, London (1984–1987). She is represented in several public collections, including the National Museum in Norway and the New Carlsberg Foundation in Denmark.
