The Legacy of Visual Artists

What happens to an artist's life's work after they are gone?

Who takes care of the artworks, sketches, notes, archives, and all the material that was never exhibited? How can an artist's life and practice be documented, understood, and preserved for future generations?

These are the central questions explored in the report The Legacy of Visual Artists, a research project commissioned by the Norwegian Directorate for Culture. I was part of the interdisciplinary research team led by Tore Slaatta (TSL Analytics), together with Ida Uppstrøm Berg, Leiv Bjelland, and Herbjørn Andresen.

The project examines how artists' estates, including artworks, archives, documentation, objects, and other materials, are managed today, and identifies both the opportunities and challenges involved in their long-term preservation and stewardship. The aim has been to provide a knowledge base that can support future policy and practice in this field.

A large number of artists participated as informants and generously shared their experiences. The reference group, consisting of Geir Egil Bergjord (Chair of the Norwegian Association of Visual Artists), Gerd Tinglum (artist), Maritea Dæhlin (artist), Ellef Prestsæter (art historian and Chair of Guttormsgaards arkiv), and Hanne Hammer Stien (art historian and member of the Arts Council Norway's Research Committee), provided valuable contributions throughout the project.

The report is available for download here (in Norwegian)

Photo: Benito Barrueta, Atelier Interior, 1903.