Artist Talk: Alexis Soul-Gray and Sverre Bjertnæs

On Wednesday 25 February at 18.15, we invite you to a conversation between British artist Alexis Soul-Gray and Norwegian painter and author Sverre Bjertnæs. The talk takes place in connection with the opening of Soul-Gray's exhibition Motherlines.

Both artists have been remarkably open about their experiences with grief and loss. Bjertnæs recently published a book about losing his mother, while Soul-Gray's exhibition explores the death of her own mother and grandmother within the same year. They also share the experience of raising what Soul-Gray calls "neurodiverse kids"—children who require a different kind of attention and care.

The conversation will explore how grief shapes creative work, what it means to be a parent while carrying your own loss, and how art-making becomes a way of surviving life's chaos. It's a rare opportunity to hear two artists speak honestly about subjects that are often kept private.

The talk will be in English and is free to attend.

Motherlines is about the maternal line—the invisible inheritance passed from mother to daughter through generations. Soul-Gray's paintings search for a visual language for what was never said, working with found imagery from mid-century knitting catalogues and family magazines that she transforms through layers of paint and unconventional materials.

The exhibition opens to the public on Thursday 26 February and runs through 21 March.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 25 February
Time: 18.15
Location: eiklid/rusten, Henrik Ibsens gate 60, Oslo
Language: English
Admission: Free

For more information: hello@eiklidrusten.no