Erik Formoe

Erik Formoe ( b.1953)

Erik Formoe (b. 1953), has developed his own style with contrasting elements like naturalistic faces combined with non-figurative features or abstract figures. By painting the faces in neutral colours, Formoe manages to make the observer concentrate on what first seem to be essential. However, by the use of the patterns of strong colours, often with black, he manages to add more to the painting.

He often reveals different layers of colours that seem to float above or in front of each other. Again, there is this element of mysticism. What does this mean?

Formoe is a contemporary artist using traces from art history. In his earlier works he was inspired by the Renaissance and Impressionism, while today the naturalistic faces combined with flat colorful patterns remind us of Gustav Klimt and Art Nouveau.

Erik Formoe studied at the National College of Art and Design (visual arts and lithography) and the Academy of Art, Oslo, Norway.