“Art, for me, is not just about creating something visually striking-it is a raw, emotional dialogue between myself and the canvas. My work is a direct reflection of life’s struggles, triumphs, and the unseen emotions that shape us.”
From Oslo to Marbella, Kristian Solberg, known artistically as IRKRIS, is a contemporary abstract expressionist painter whose work is deeply personal - rooted in a life shaped by both struggle and redemption.
Kristian has always possessed an innate artistic flair, with an extraordinary gift for colour that surpasses the ordinary. His creativity is not confined to painting, he also composes music, a powerful outlet for emotion and storytelling. Additionally, he is a photographer with a keen eye for capturing nature’s raw simplicity, finding beauty in its most unfiltered moments. His deep connection to the arts is further shaped by his ongoing work in the film industry in Oslo, where he continues to work as a freelance production assistant with Speranza Productions, working alongside renowned director Margareth Olin on internationally acclaimed films.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Kristian has an almost mystical bond with animals. Even the most skittish creatures are drawn to him, forming an unspoken trust, like a modern-day horse whisperer. There is something about him that goes beyond what the eye can see, and his paintings embody that very essence.
"I’ve always had an innate connection with animals, especially those that are typically reserved or fearful. People have compared me to a modern-day horse whisperer, ha, ha! I guess it’s because I love animals and never give up on them. Maybe they sense my sensitivity and quiet patience, or perhaps they somehow understand my deep personal feelings, despite the contrast of my many tattoos, which can sometimes intimidate others This same unexplainable depth, I believe, is what makes my art so powerful, it transcends what is seen and taps into what is felt."
Through his art, IRKRIS transforms life’s complexities into a bold visual language of colour, movement, and raw emotion. His paintings are not mere representations of the external world but an intimate dialogue between his soul and the canvas. Using vibrant colours, dynamic lines, and geometric distortions, he creates compositions that balance chaos and harmony, mirroring the journey of overcoming adversity.
Nature plays a profound role in his inspiration. He often spends months at a time alone in the Norwegian mountains; Dovrefjell and Oldedalen being his favourites, fully immersing himself in untamed landscapes. These experiences not only shape his artistic vision but also fuel his photography, capturing nature in its purest form.
His brushstrokes, a fusion of acrylic ink, charcoal, oil paints, oil pencils, graffiti spray, and lacquer, explore texture and form with fearless creativity. Unrestricted by convention, he embraces complete artistic freedom.
Beyond his original paintings, IRKRIS also creates bespoke commissioned artworks, exclusive limited-edition prints of his originals (with only 50 numbered and signed pieces per design), digital prints and striking photographs from his journeys.
A defining force in his art is his daughter, Iris; his heart, his world, and a constant reminder of the beauty found in innocence and imagination. His childhood, filled with colour and energy, also weaves itself into his artistic language, blending joy with the rawness of reality.
For IRKRIS, art is more than an aesthetic pursuit, it is a form of survival, self-discovery, and liberation. His work speaks to those who have faced hardship and to those who seek authenticity in expression.
“My art speaks to those who seek truth, resilience, and authenticity.”
