Kirsten Kokkin

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 this group that strives toward the best in art history. Kokkin is an acclaimed sculptor and one of the leading artists in the international community of figurative sculptors. Her work reflects the European tradition of figurative sculptors, such as Michelangelo, Bernini, Rodin, and Vigeland. Despite close ties to history she has managed to create her own position with her detailed and feminine style.

The search for truth led her to the naturalistic language of sculpture, and her fantasy led her to themes from the antique and mythological worlds. Kokkin’s works spans from the tradition of romantic expressionism to naturalism. Originality and strength of expression mark her works which are executed with painstaking accuracy to anatomy and details.

Kokkin began sculpting at the age of 18 when she was admitted to the National College of Art and the National Art Academy of Oslo, Norway. She made her début at the National Annual Autumn Exhibition in 1972 while still a student at the Art Academy. In 1986 she moved to the U.S. Her breakthrough here came with the sculpture, “Flight,” which initiated a series of themes with ballet dancers in which the artist expresses feelings through movement.

Kokkin has created a great number of monuments and has artwork placed all over the world, with the majority of pieces in the U.S and Norway. She has public installations in 11 states in the U.S. Most recently, Kokkin had the great honor of having her sculpture of Crown Princess Märtha, mother of the present king of Norway installed at the Royal Palace in Oslo. It was a gift from the Norwegian Parliament to King Harald V of Norway for his 70th birthday.