Complete List of 20 Top Norwegian Artists

Artists from Norway have been dazzling the world for decades with their creativity and ingenuity. From international pop hits to world-famous paintings, there are so many amazing creations by Norwegian artists to celebrate.

Artists from Norway have been dazzling the world for decades with their creativity and ingenuity. From international pop hits to world-famous paintings, there are so many amazing creations by Norwegian artists to celebrate.

Explore Norway’s rich and diverse cultural landscape with our list of 20 top Norwegian artists, including painters, sculptors, singers, musicians, actors and writers. Let’s go!

Edvard Munch (1863–1944) – Painter

Of all the most famous Norwegian painters, Edvard Munch, with his distinctive expressionist style, is perhaps the most renowned. Best known for his masterpiece, The Scream (1893), Munch has had a significant impact on the art world and even modern communications – ever noticed ‘the scream’ emoji on your keyboard? 

You can visit the Munch Museum in the Norwegian capital of Oslo to explore more of Munch’s work and his story, as well as see for yourself how he captures human emotion, existentialism and psychological turmoil in his artwork.

Johan Christian Dahl (1788–1857) – Painter

Another famous Norwegian painter, Johan Christian Dahl was a pioneer of Norwegian Romantic landscape painting. Born in Bergen, the third-largest Norwegian city, Dahl’s paintings are a key part of Norwegian national identity and pride, as he was one of the first painters to capture Norway’s landscapes in all of their dramatic beauty.

Known as the ‘father of Norwegian landscape painting,’ Dahl was also the first Norwegian painter to gain recognition and acclimation abroad, and is responsible for bringing the Romantic tradition to Norway.

Kygo (b. 1991) – DJ & Music Producer

World-renowned DJ and electronic music producer, Kygo, deserves a spot on our list of famous Norwegian artists for his billions of Spotify streams and international hits like ‘Firestone’. Known for popularizing the tropical house music genre, Kygo was raised in Bergen by Norwegian parents, who were working in dentistry and the maritime industry.

Kygo, or Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll if using his full name, was the first house music DJ to perform at an Olympics closing ceremony – wow!

Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) – Sculptor

Creator of the over 200 sculptures in Oslo’s Vigeland Sculpture Park, Gustav Vigeland is Norway’s most famous sculptor. As the designer of the Nobel Peace Prize medal, Vigeland had a marked influence both in Norway and beyond.

Born to a family of craftsmen, Vigeland learned wood carving at school and later trained to become a professional sculptor alongside noted Norwegian sculptor, Brynjulf Bergslien. His work explores human relationships, life and death, with his most famous work being the 17-meter tall ‘Monolith’ sculpture.

A-ha (formed in 1982) – Band

Iconic for hits like Take on Me, the band A-ha were one of the most influential artists in 1980s pop music. Formed by Norwegians Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen and Pal Waaktaar-Savoy, A-ha remains one of Norway’s most successful music acts to this day.

Their unique synth-pop sound skyrocketed them to the top of the charts, with their biggest success coming from their debut album Hunting High and Low (1985). Topping charts in their native Norway, the UK and US, A-ha also achieved commercial success in non-English speaking countries like South America, France and Germany.

The Norwegian National Ballet (est. 1958)

What is art without dance? Norway’s premier ballet company, the Norwegian National Ballet is renowned for its classical and contemporary performances, blending traditional ballet with innovative choreography. Founded in 1958, the Norwegian National Ballet is housed in the amazing Oslo Opera House (where you can actually walk on the roof!).

Now an internationally recognized ballet troupe, the Norwegian National Ballet began with purist ballet performances, such as Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. In more recent years, its repertoire has expanded to include contemporary dance and performances based on Norwegian folklore.

Liv Ullmann (b. 1938) – Actress & Director

Liv Ullmann is one of Norway’s most celebrated actresses and an accomplished movie director, known for her work with legendary Swedish filmmaker and screenwriter Ingmar Bergman. Her powerful roles in films like Persona have made her an enduring figure in Scandinavian cinema.

Her acting career began on small theater stages in Norway and soon took her to the big screen. With talents for film, the stage and writing, Liv Ullmann is internationally recognized as one of the greatest European actresses of all time – no small feat!

Knut Hamsun (1859–1952) – Writer

Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1920, Knut Hamsun is a Norwegian writer who penned over 23 novels and various other works, including a poetry collection, plays and essays.

Known for novels like Hunger, his work explores human psychology, perspective and environment. Hamsun is regarded as one of the most influential and innovative writers of the past century due to his work pioneering the literary techniques of stream of consciousness and interior monologue, which became cornerstones of the modernist literature movement.

AURORA (b. 1996) – Singer-Songwriter

Norwegian singer, songwriter and record producer, Aurora Aksnes, known as AURORA, blends synth-pop, art pop and folk to create a unique sound, which shot her to fame in the mid-2010s. Recognized for her ethereal sound and hits like Runaway, AURORA’s lyrics are usually deeply emotional and haunting, taking on introspective topics such as spirituality and human connection.

She draws on influences from Norwegian folklore and nature, often crediting the beautiful landscapes where she grew up (in a small town called Os close to Bergen) as inspiration for her music.

Henrik Ibsen (1828–1906) – Playwright

Considered the ‘father of modern drama,’ playwright Henrik Ibsen is known for his critical, groundbreaking plays that challenge societal and cultural norms. One of the most influential playwrights in Western literature, Ibsen’s best-known work is A Doll's House, and he remains the most frequently performed dramatist in the world after Shakespeare.

Born in Skein, Norway, Ibsen became a theater director in the 1850s and explored Norwegian folklore and history in his early plays. He started to attract attention when he shifted his focus to writing about contemporary social issues, such as morality, power, societal expectations and women’s liberation.

Edvard Grieg (1843–1907) – Composer

One of the most famous people from Norway, the Norwegian composer and pianist Edvard Grieg is internationally renowned for his contribution to Romantic era classical music, with his best-known works being Piano Concerto in A Minor and Peer Gynt Suite. Blending Norwegian folk music into his compositions shone a light on the unique and beautiful music from Norway, and played a significant part in developing Norway's national identity.

As the most influential person from Bergen, Grieg is celebrated with a concert building named Grieg Hall and a music school named Grieg Academy in the city, plus a professional choir in his name and a museum dedicated to his legacy.

Fun fact: Grieg actually composed some music for Ibsen’s plays!

Sigrid (b. 1996) – Pop Singer

Norwegian singer and songwriter from Alesund in Fjord Norway, Sigrid is known for empowering pop anthems like Strangers and Don’t Feel Like Crying. Her catchy pop songs, distinctive voice and down-to-earth image are just a few of the reasons Sigrid has captivated a global audience with her music.

With lyrics that emphasize confidence, individuality and resilience, Sigrid has released two albums, both of which topped the Norwegian charts and reached the UK top 10. Performing in festivals, on tour and at events like the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, Sigrid has shared stages with artists such as George Ezra and Maroon 5.

Dagny (b. 1990) – Pop Singer-Songwriter

Norwegian singer and songwriter Dagny is recognized for songs like Somebody, Love You Like That and Backbeat. A pop artist that blends elements of indie, electro, synth, dance and disco, Dagny frequently performs on tour and at festivals across Europe and the UK.

Born in Tromsø to parents who were well-respected jazz musicians, Dagny always had music as a big part of her life growing up. After spending several years in London once she completed her education, Dagny caught her break with her debut single, Backbeat, which quickly gained millions of streams across the world.

Ane Brun (b. 1976) – Singer-Songwriter

A guitarist, singer and songwriter of Sami origin, Ane Brun is acclaimed for her soulful and introspective music. Daughter of a lawyer and a jazz singer and pianist, Brun grew up in the city of Molde in Fjord Norway.

With a discography of eight original albums, plus cover albums, live albums and several EPs, Brun is celebrated for her poetic lyrics, blend of folk and pop music, and jazz influences. She now lives in Sweden where she records her own music and runs her own record label called Balloon Ranger Recordings.

Erik Werenskiold (1855–1938) – Painter & Illustrator

Talented Norwegian painter, Erik Werenskiold, is famous for his illustrations of Norwegian folktales and landscapes. His uniquely detailed and realistic style, alongside his knowledge of Norwegian nature, traditions and people, made Werenskiold a key figure in shaping Norway’s visual identity through his artwork.

Born in Eidskog in South Norway, Werenskiold attended a college for painters and studied as a pupil of Norwegian sculptor Julius Middelthun. Werenskiold focused on painting Norwegian nature, with several of his works depicting peasants in fields, as well as illustrating Norwegian fairy tales.

Sissel Kyrkjebø (b. 1969) – Soprano

Renowned for her classical and folk music, including her work on the Titanic soundtrack, Sissel Kyrkjebø is famous for being one of the world’s best crossover sopranos. Known simply as Sissel, she’s celebrated as an internationally acclaimed vocalist with an angelic and powerful voice.

For Titanic, Sissel recorded haunting and ethereal vocalizations that featured in many songs on the album’s soundtrack, helping to create its iconically emotional atmosphere. Her solo record sales exceed 10 million copies, most of which are from Norway, but her success also extends to Denmark, Sweden and Japan.

Hariton Pushwagner (1940–2018) – Painter

Norwegian painter, graphic artist, and illustrator Hariton Pushwagner is known for his pop art that explores dystopian, existentialist, and futuristic themes. Born in the Norwegian capital of Oslo, Pushwagner trained at the Norwegian National Academy of Fine Arts and later studied in London, Stockholm, New York, and Paris.

Now one of Norway’s most iconic contemporary artists, Pushwagner’s work can be recognized by its bold, surreal, and visually striking style. His most famous work is the graphic novel Soft City, which explores urban life, modern society, conformity, and alienation.

Odd Nerdrum (b. 1944) – Painter

A Norwegian figurative painter recognized for his dramatic, classicist style inspired by Rembrandt and Caravaggio, Odd Nerdrum is a controversial painter in Norway due to his efforts to revive old, traditional painting styles. Nerdrum’s classical technique, surreal landscapes, and provocative subject matter make him stand out on the Norwegian art scene.

Exploring themes of existentialism, the human condition, and mythology, Nerdrum’s style and ideas stand in stark contrast to the modernist movements of the 20th century. You can see some of Nerdrum’s hyper-realistic work for yourself in Oslo’s National Gallery.

Nico & Vinz (formed in 2010) – Pop Duo

Pop duo Nico & Vinz gained global fame with their hit single Am I Wrong, which blends pop, soul, and African rhythms. Born in Oslo to immigrant families, Nico Sereba and Vincent Dery incorporate sounds from their African heritage with Western pop to create their unique discography.

Nico & Vinz met in their teenage years, having originally made music as part of a band before forming their own duo. Their music explores positivity, achieving your dreams, overcoming obstacles, and self-empowerment.

Hannah Ryggen (1894–1970) – Textile Artist

A pioneering Norwegian textile artist renowned for her politically charged tapestries critiquing social issues, Hannah Ryggen is considered one of Norway’s most important artists of the 20th century. Self-trained on a loom constructed by her husband, Ryggen used her artistic skill to depict the horrors of war and the oppression of the working class.

The imagery of her tapestries reflects her belief in the strength and dignity of the human spirit, even in the most difficult of circumstances. You can explore some of Ryggen’s powerful work at The National Museum in Oslo.

Feeling inspired to explore Norway’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant art scene for yourself? Experience all this, along with the country’s incredible landscapes, during your own trip to Norway.

Get started with your vacation planning by taking a look through our range of campervan rentals in Norway, perfect for taking you all around the country, exploring high and low! Traveling by campervan is one of the best ways to explore Norway, as you can travel on your own schedule, take your home with you as you go, and get up close to the gorgeous Nordic nature.

We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country very soon!