Rolf Groven

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Rolf Groven (b. March 11, 1943) is a Norwegian painter, known for his satirical art painted in figurative style. Groven's paintings are frequently printed works of art in textbooks used in Norwegian schools, as well as history books.

1 Biography
2 Common themes in the art of Groven
3 Selected works
4 External links

[edit] Biography

Groven was born in Romsdal near Molde during the Second World War, and educated as an architect at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH, now a part of NTNU) 1966–72. His participation in the radical Anti-Vietnam War movement convinced him that he should choose an artistic career. He is currently living in Oslo.

[edit] Common themes in the art of Groven

Environmentalism. In the 1970s Groven made several works that propagated the conservation of nature. Much of his artwork has been commenting the fear that the Norway's newly won status as a petroleum producing country would lead to excessive pollution (see "Oil Painting". He also commented the dangers of nuclear power (see The nuclear power kid) and the agitated for the preservation of waterfalls (see Vandalism Site Inspection).
European Union. Norway has held two referendums about joining the EU. The paintings Norwegian Neo Romanticism from 1972 and Free Flow from 1992 were among the best-known symbols of the popular anti EU-accession movement before these referendums.
Peace movement. (see No nukes)
Religion.
Sceneries from Romsdal and Lofoten.

Groven's art is influenced by painters such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Käthe Kollwitz, as well as Norwegian artists such as Adolph Tidemand, Hans Gude, J.C. Dahl, Christian_Krogh and the contemporary caricaturist Finn Graff.

[edit] Selected works

1972 Norwegian Neo Romanticism (aka. Willoch and Bratteli).
1975 "Oil Painting". Parody of one of Norway's best-known paintings from the 19th century Tidemand and Gude: Bridal Party in Hardanger, 1848
1977 The nuclear power kid 50 000 reproductions of this poster was printed in the 70-ties and 80-ties.
1978 West coast girl gutting fish (Vestlandsjente). Acquired by the National gallery of Norway.
1996 Women by church
2004 Molde as combat zone Historical recreation of war time events April 29, 1940.