Torild Stray: Norwegian Painter Between Bergen and Brooklyn

Torild Stray, a Norwegian artist who divides her time between New York and Bergen, creates her art in a repurposed knitwear factory located in the Paradis area, with views of Nordåsvannet lake. She pursued art history at the University of Bergen and furthered her studies at the Nordic School of Art in Finland before relocating to the U.S. for the New York Studio School. Stray's artistic repertoire encompasses oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, and clay relief sculptures, drawing inspiration from Norway's striking landscapes and climate, along with influences from Edvard Munch, Lars Hertervig, Paula Rego, Hokusai, and Cycladic art. She leads a weekly figure drawing group in her studio, a practice she initiated in Brooklyn's Industry City. In early June 2026, a studio visit showcased various drawings, acrylic still lifes on paper, watercolors, and large oil works featuring dynamic mark-making and figural compositions. In Fall 2026, Stray will curate a drawing exhibition at Akt & Kroki in Bergen, followed by a solo show at Gyldenpris Kunsthall in 2027.