Grete Refsum

Grete Refsum is a professional visual artist and artistic researcher, educated in Oslo National College of the Arts, Diploma in stained glass (1985) and Hovedfag (Master equivalent) in colour/form (1992). She holds a dr. ing. (PhD equivalent) from Oslo School of Architechture (2000) in the topic of ecclesial art. In 25 years, Refsum has worked on religion and existential topics as the theme of her art and art development work (artistic research). Taking her point of departure in the Western Christian tradition, she has explored the cross as symbol, liturgy and prayer or meditation. Her goal is to create visual expressions that offer new interpretations, which may contribute to reflect contemporary religiosity and spiritual needs. The intention is raise that which seems relevant today and pass it on to new generations. During the last years, Refsum has experimented with relational art projects in ecclesial spaces, in which the congregation and the visitors have been involved as participants. Her artistic expression is generally abstract, geometric or symbolic so that it open for dialogue between faith and non-belief, ecumenic between various Christian deniominations, and inter-religious between different religions. For more information and complete curriculum vita, see: www.refsum.no