In the bustling heart of Mexico City, a young Norwegian artist, Elias Nyegaard, is making his mark with strokes of oil and charcoal. Born in 2002 in Oslo and raised in the picturesque town of Stavern, Nyegaard’s artistic journey began under the tutelage of his grandfather, the renowned artist Fritz Helge Nyegaard. By the tender age of 14, he was already exhibiting portraits that captured the essence of diverse cultures, a theme inspired by his extensive travels and the rich tapestry of human experiences.
Nyegaard artistic evolution has been as colorful and dynamic as the canvases he paints. After leaving school in the summer of 2018 to pursue his passion full-time, he relocated to southern Spain with his family. It was here, amidst the Mediterranean’s sun-drenched landscapes, that his love for large-scale oil paintings deepened. “There is no way to describe the feeling of creating these paintings,” Nyegaard reflects. “Working with large canvases is intense, both physically and mentally. But it’s also what I need now, larger canvases, larger movements and perspectives.”
Asked about the art scene in Mexico and why he chose it, Nyegaard shares, “The Mexican art scene is like a big explosion, and I love how unpredictable it is. A beautiful mix of history and innovation, and I don’t think artists in Mexico struggle to find inspiration.” He continues, “Although I’m new to the scene in Mexico City, I’ve been lucky to get to know so many fantastic artists, curators, and gallerists [who] have taught me a lot about not only the scene down here but around the world. It’s becoming an even bigger hub for art than before. To me, Mexico feels free and playful. People are encouraged to nurture their inner child, and I think that’s a huge part of why I love being here.”
Nyegaard is particularly proud of a piece titled “Transfiguration,” which marks a new direction in his artistic expression. “It’s the first time that I focus more on color and composition than on traditional figures,” he explains. The artwork explores the harmony of human existence. “It feels current because so many people are working through trauma and releasing old patterns, and I think this piece embodies the feeling of detaching from that very human ego and becoming more light. Kind of like a hybrid, our ego and higher self.”
For Nyegaard, the essence of being an artist is not confined to the act of painting; it extends to nurturing a sacred space of creativity. He advises young artists to cultivate a universe where they can freely explore and express themselves without constraints. “Art has no rules and the minute you forget that things start to feel difficult,” he muses.
As Elias Nyegaard continues to paint his dreams onto the large canvases that have become his signature, he remains a vibrant testament to art’s power to transcend geographical, cultural, and personal. In the heart of Mexico City, a young Norwegian artist redefines his heritage and artistry, one intentional stroke at a time.
Solomon Mike is a content writer based in Thorold, ON, Canada. Currently in his final year at Brock University, he is pursuing a degree in Media and Communication, with a strong interest in lifestyle, culture, and the arts. If you have stories to share email: sm20ng@brocku.ca
