Diva Painting

The abstract colourist works and lives in Horten, Norway - with a studio based at a disused naval base, surrounded by the natural world and historic buildings that provide tranquillity for her work. The impetus of her paintings is emotionally-charged. Describing her practice as a kind of therapy and a way to switch off from the flurry of conscious activity in her mind, Bostad’s feelings and expressions in her work are highlighted by their lasting impression on the viewer. The source of her abstract paintings is memories and people, whose essence she intuitively attempts to preserve on the canvas. Richly coloured and textured, incorporating layer upon layer of acrylic paint, the canvases are imbued with a fresh, youthful approach, one of positivity, reinforced by an invigorating colour palette. Bostad originally was an Art Director, with 10 years of experience working on visual projects in film, illustration and concept building in Oslo. Alongside her commercial work, she has practised painting, as a way to release and unwind. In 2010 Bostad left her career in Art Direction to pursue her painting full time. She has exhibited her work in Oslo, London, New York and LA - and has received substantial acclaim from curators as well as galleries throughout Europe and US, for her vibrant, strong and contemporary abstract paintings. In April 2017 Rebecca Wilson, Chief Curator and VP, Art Advisory at Saatchi Art picked Bostad as one of the "4 Must-See Artists" at TOAF London, out of 130 emerging artists. Subsequently, in May 2017 she gained representation at the Daniel Raphael Gallery in London. A highlight so far in Bostad’s career, only months later, was to show alongside Gary Komarin in Madelyn Jordon Fine Art Gallery in New York in August/September 2017. Marit Geraldine Bostad, Liz Tran and Gary Komarin were presented in a group show named “Body Electric”. Madelyn Jordon curated the show and emphasized the three artists’ ability to evoke emotional responses through colour and contrasts. Summer 2018 Bostad was part of Saatchi Arts summershow En Verano in LA. She was also an artist in resident at ESKFF/MANA Contemporary in New York, summer 2018. In October 2019 she debuted at AAF London with Mint Art Gallery, and one month later she did a group show in Dubai with Treasure Trove Gallery. In November 2019 she had her biggest solo exhibition to date at the acclaimed KHÅK Kunsthall in Norway and later the same year she exhibited at Scope Miami.