A Life Rooted in the Norwegian Landscape
Harald Kihle was born in Horten, Norway, on 3 July 1905. His early years were shaped by the surroundings of Apenestunet, where he first began to draw the working horses that would later become a central theme in his life's work. He was the son of Anton Jørgensen and Mina Gunelia Halvorsdatter Leikås. In 1930, he married Ingrid Kirsten Olsen, and for many years, the couple lived within the artistic community at Ekely in Oslo.
His formal training began at the Statens håndverks- og kunstindustriskole between 1926 and 1929. He later sought further knowledge through the guidance of several notable figures, including Henrik Sørensen, Axel Revold, Per Krohg, and Marcel Gromaire. These studies provided him with the technical foundation to move from simple sketches to complex compositions.
The Spirit of Telemark
While his education took place in various settings, Kihle's heart remained tied to the Telemark region. He spent many summers exploring its valleys and mountains, finding deep inspiration in the nature and folk culture of places like Hjartdal, Flatdal, Dyrlandsdalen, and Svartdal. In 1947, he built a summerhouse at Negarden farm in Smørklepp, a place where he could live closely with the rhythms of rural life. He was drawn to the way of life practiced by farmers before the arrival of modern machinery like tractors or electric power lines.
His work often reflected the legends and traditions of this land. He drew from stories such as those of Storegut and Guro Heddelid, translating these oral histories into visual forms. His art captured the essence of local music, songs, and crafts, focusing on a world that felt connected to the earth.
The subjects he chose were often deeply tied to this landscape:
- The working horse, a recurring figure in his paintings and childhood drawings.
- Scenes of seasonal labor, such as haying in Hjartdal or log driving.
- Local legends, including the story of the strongman Storegut.
- The quiet dignity of rural life and folk traditions.
Evolution of Style and Technique
Kihle's artistic approach underwent a noticeable change as he matured. In the early 1930s, his work was characterized by a primitive style and the use of earthen colors. This period felt grounded and heavy, much like the soil of the valleys he loved. As time passed, his palette grew brighter and his technique became more sophisticated and detailed.
He was a versatile creator, working across many different mediums to express his vision. His repertoire included:
- Paintings that captured light and landscape.
- Woodcuts used for book illustrations, such as those for Tarjei Vesaas' novel Det store spelet.
- Lithographs and sketches.
- Altarpieces created for churches like Grunge Church in Vinje and Bakkebø Chapel in Egersund.
By the time he passed away in Oslo in 1997 at the age of 92, he had left behind a significant body of work. His pieces can be found in the National Gallery of Norway and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring that his vision of a traditional Norway remains preserved for others to see.
