Some artists will always see it as their task to measure themselves against the greatest in art history. Thus, they set their sights higher than do many other artists. Kirsten Kokkin belongs to the group that strives towards the best in art history. Her work reflects the European tradition of figurative sculptors, such as Michelangelo, Bernini, Rodin and Gustav Vigeland.
Despite closes ties to history, however, she has managed to create her own position with her detailed and strongly feminine style. Kirsten Kokkin is an acclaimed sculptor and one of the leading artists in the international community of figurative sculptors.
Kokkin made her début at the National Annual Autumn Exhibition in 1972 while still a student at the Art Academy.
In 1987 she moved to the U.S. Her break through here came with the sculpture Flight, which initiated a series of themes with ballet dancers in which the artist expresses feelings through movement.
Originality and strength of expression mark her works which are executed with painstaking accuracy to anatomy and details, and convey a sensual, yet energetic quality. The search for truth led her to the naturalistic language, and her fantasy led her to themes from the antique and mythological world. Through the dance themes she also expresses her feelings and longings.
Kirsten Kokkin has created a number of monuments, both public and private commissions. Her works span from the tradition of romantic expressionism to naturalism. She has sculpted themes from the marine world and has a long career as a portrait artist. Kokkin's artwork is placed all over the world, with the majority of pieces in the U.S and Norway.
COMMISSIONS
2017
H.R.H Queen Sonja of Norway, Monument in The public Part of the Palace Gardens in Oslo Norway The Poet Astrid Langjord, Monumental Portrait sculpture in Mosjoen, NO. Life-size Portrait monument of Terje Hoili, Fredrikstad , Norway
2016
Installation of monumental life-size sculpture for Private Collector in Oslo, No Installation of Monumental sculpture for Selvaag Bygg, Nydalen, Oslo
2015
Installation of Portrait Monument of Anna Brannfjell, famous healer in 1890, Oslo
for L. Ringnes Foundation at Ekenberg School, Oslo, NO
2014
Installation of Monument; The Triangle, for Harstad , Norway
2013
War memorial to the City of Oslo of particans fighting in the 2 WW in Oslo, Norway.
1.st Price in public commission for the City of Oslo of Mrs. Anna Brannfjell.
2012
Monumental bust of previous prime minister to Norway Gro H. Brundtland
commissioned by the Social Democratic party in Norway. Bust of Prof. Ørnulf Gulbransen, at the Nat. Music Academy of Norway
Series of life-size portraits of Loveland Artists and Arts affiliated.
2011
Sculpture for the Norwegian Church in Miami, FL, presented by HRH Crown Princess
Mette Marit of Norway. Series of Fullfigure portraits of Loveland Artists and Art Affiliates.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2018
Elverum Kunstforening,( with the Painter Jonny Andvik )Elverum, Norway
2018
Holmsbustuene, Holmsbu Norway
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2018
American Woman Artists, Haggin Museum, Stockton, CA
2017
American Woman Artists , Tucson Desert Art Museum.
2016
Momentum, Woman in the Arts, Loveland Museum, CO Usa.
2015
Sculpture Exhibition at Ringebu Church with the deceased artist Rune Amrud.
Sculpture Exhibition at Oslo City Mayor House with sculptor Skule Waksvik