Stian Borgen

Stian Borgen (1984) is a Norwegian contemporary artist. Inspired by 80s New York graffiti art, he has created his own expression and can be described as an artist within neo-expressionism.

An expansive and dynamic idiom where fragmentation and reorganization are central. The starting point for each painting is usually a head, but when subjected to the coloristic process it often ends up in parts. Borgen's artistic works should invite a dialogue where there is room to feel and interpret, love and hate.

Graffiti art and the neo-expressionist language are the core of Stian Borgen's artistic expression. His paintings are characterized by a dynamic and expansive idiom, with clear fragmentation and reorganization. Although each work usually begins with a head as a starting point, it undergoes a transformation through the coloristic process, often resulting in fragmented parts.

In recent years, simplification and the removal of unnecessary information have been central themes in Borgen's approach to his artistic expression. He explores the limits of how much he can fragment a form without losing recognition in his expression. Inspired by artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jackson Pollock and Richard Hambleton, he combines elements of street art and action painting in a unique way. The way Basquiat worked with street art and the space it was given in the gallery in the early 80s has been a great inspiration. If you add what Jackson Pollock did with action painting and not least what Richard Hambleton did with quick movements on street corners, then all this has inspired and influenced his way of approaching painting. The biggest similarity is probably in the way Hambleton approaches a form by more or less throwing the paint on with the brush.

Borgen's paintings are characterized by energy and powerful, rhythmic movements when he starts his works. The imperfection in the line is an important part of his artistic signature. As the painting takes shape and unnecessary noise is removed, the power of the composition is enhanced. The exploration of form and movement is at the core of Borgen's work, and his artistic practice reflects the dynamism and experimentation in contemporary art.

In February 2023, the magazine Subjekt published an article, in which art critic Tommy Olsson highlighted Stian Borgen and 5 other Norwegian young contemporary artists, whom he described as good investments.