Small textiles, big rugs, and elaborate pattern as far as the eye can see! How, I ask you, have I not learned about Norwegian artist Sissel Blystad until now? She was born in Oslo in 1944, and she’s been making work since 1972! I love this chunk of text from her site… it’s been translated from Norwegian so it might be a bit off, but her honesty and humor certainly isn’t:
“Here is my self-made website with works ranging from 1972 to 2015. It may look like I’ve taken everything I’ve done, but I have not deleted. I think it’s important and show also older stuff, which I do not necessarily are equally happy with today, but that is also part of my oeuvre.
I feel like I’ve gotten done very much when I look back, and that’s because I’ve had this as the first priority in all years. And I must, with hand on heart, say that I have never made anything just to sell, but only to meet and challenge myself. By type, I’m curious, and do not give up so easily. And why have I managed to claw me stuck in this job. Like many other artists also I had to take other jobs beside at times, but usually with great reluctance.”
The. Best.
ps. An installation view from a 2016 show at Hester NY, and a photo of Sissel in her studio from 2011:
Lovely! The patterns are so complex and intricate that I think it’s impressive the pieces stand as a whole and harmoniously so. The use of color is amazing too. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful artists with the world.
Oh my dear,
this colorful work is so amazing! I ♥ ♥ ♥ it.
many ♡ ly greetings sent by
Sabine from WO(rms) in Germany
absolutely wonderful work
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“And why have I managed to claw me stuck in this job. Like many other artists also I had to take other jobs beside at times, but usually with great reluctance”…… LOL yes the plight of artists – those pesky other jobs. I love her!!
I really love the work. And even more the artist writes about showing old work as well, even if she doesn’t like it that much anymore. It’s a part of her life and history, the beatiful and less beautiful stuff!
Obsessed! These are incredible!!! The first one is my favorite, there’s something about the ones that are like cutouts. Love!
Love!
Love these! I just can’t figure out they were constructed. They look a lot like the Mexican yarn paintings made by the Huichol Indians. Those are made by pressing the yarn into a wax sheet. You said that these works are small textiles and rugs, so that wouldn’t work. Do you think they are glued? I guess you’ll have to have her on a podcast so we can find out.