Kristin Romberg
Norway

Norwegian artist Kristin Romberg creates vibrant, large-scale paintings and immersive installations that engage viewers both visually and physically. Using acrylic on canvas, her abstract works exude an organic vitality, blending raw textures with fluid, dynamic hues. Intuitive brushwork and layered compositions invite viewers into a tactile and immersive experience.
Romberg’s use of untreated canvas integrates the material into her narrative, balancing spontaneity with intention to create pieces that feel alive and ever-evolving. Recently, she has expanded into installation art, crafting environments that encourage sensory interaction and deepen the connection with her work. Her art explores the profound relationship between creativity and nature, offering a multi-sensory experience that resonates deeply with audiences and lingers long after viewing.
Artist Interview
Q: In the studio, how much room do you leave for spontaneity and experimentation? Do you think the atmosphere of your space influences your mood and creativity?
A: Absolutely, I leave a lot of room for spontaneity. I let the space, light, and surroundings guide my process. Moving geographically impacts my work deeply, as I respond to the energy of each location. The studio’s atmosphere influences my mood and creativity; it's essential for me to feel connected to the space and let it shape my expression.
Q: The bold forms and vibrant colours in your work bring a lot of energy and emotion to each piece. How do you approach creating these striking compositions, and what role do you think colour plays in conveying your artistic vision?
A: Creating my work is like a dance—a push and pull between intuition and intention. I let bold forms and vibrant colors move freely, responding to each brushstroke and adjusting as I go. Color is a powerful language for me; it brings energy and emotion, shaping the story and atmosphere of each piece. This dynamic flow invites viewers to feel and explore, capturing the rhythm and spontaneity I aim to convey.
Q: Large-scale work comes with its own set of physical and creative challenges. Can you share some of the obstacles you’ve faced while working on such vast canvases? How does it change your approach compared to working on smaller pieces?
A: Smaller pieces can indeed feel more challenging. When I work large, it’s as if I see the piece from a bird's-eye view, even though I’m standing right in the middle of it and can’t see the whole. This scale allows me to immerse myself fully, moving with the work and feeling a freedom that’s harder to find in smaller formats. With big canvases, there are physical challenges—like reaching, stepping back, and constantly adjusting my perspective. But that immersion gives me a sense of flow and spontaneity that brings the work to life in a unique way.
Q: As an artist, how do you navigate the balance between creating for yourself and creating for an audience? Do you ever feel external pressures influencing your work, or do you focus more on personal expression?
A: I never think about sales when creating a piece—it’s just not possible. The art market will be what it is, but I make what I want to make. I focus entirely on my own need for expression, and I can’t create with the intention of pleasing someone else. At the same time, I see a lot of art, and it’s impossible not to be influenced in some way. But that influence isn’t about adapting to others’ expectations. I believe in following my own intuition and expressing what feels genuine, hoping it resonates with the audience without compromising myself
Q: Every artist draws from a range of influences, whether they’re other artists or life experiences. Who or what are some of your biggest artistic influences, and how have these inspirations shaped your approach to both the technical and conceptual aspects of your work today?
A: I draw significant inspiration from Abstract Expressionism, particularly from artists like Helen Frankenthaler, Lee Krasner, and Joan Mitchell. Their use of color and form influences both the technical and conceptual aspects of my work. I’m also inspired by Sam Gilliam, as well as Norwegian artists like Olav Christoffer Jenssen and Per Kirby. Additionally, Hilma af Klint and Katharina Grosse have shaped my understanding of color and abstraction. These influences encourage me to explore my own expression while pushing the boundaries of technique and concept in my art.
Q: For emerging artists interested in working on larger canvases or exploring new techniques in the studio, what advice would you offer? Are there specific lessons you’ve learned that you think would benefit someone just starting out?
A: My advice is not to think about money—at all. Large canvases and a lot of paint can be expensive, but if you’re committed, you need to go all in. Make sure you have enough space so you don’t have to tidy up every day, and create without worrying about consequences or sales. You’re painting for yourself, not for anyone else; this isn’t decoration to match a sofa. You have something to say, and your tool is painting. Dare to make mistakes. So, jump, don’t think—that’s my motto and my advice.









