Henie Onstad Kunstsenter opens Vibrant World, the first retrospective exhibition of photographer Tom Sandberg, on Friday, October 31.
Vibrant World brings together around 100 works spanning Sandberg’s career, offering a comprehensive view of his artistic legacy and his contribution to Norwegian photography. Curated by Susanne Østby Sæther in collaboration with artist Morten Andenæs and the Tom Sandberg Foundation, the exhibition features both iconic works and lesser-known experiments with format and technique.
Tom Sandberg (1953–2014) is regarded as one of Norway’s most significant and prolific photographers, internationally recognized for his atmospheric black-and-white images and his nuanced modulation of gray tones. His photography combines precision and poetry, ranging from the nearly invisible to the monumental, demonstrating that even the most ordinary subjects can contain entire worlds when observed with care.
Sandberg’s long-standing relationship with Henie Onstad Kunstsenter adds a unique historical dimension to the exhibition. He exhibited at the center multiple times and documented legendary performances, while also portraying artists and composers such as John Cage, Christo, Iannis Xenakis, and Krzysztof Penderecki. The exhibition also highlights his interest in interdisciplinary experimentation and his dual role as both commissioned photographer and exhibiting artist.
A richly illustrated publication accompanies the exhibition, featuring newly written texts by Sæther, Andenæs, writer Torgrim Eggen, and artist Vibeke Tandberg, designed by Kim Hiorthøy and Martin Asbjørnsen.
Vibrant World offers a compelling insight into a central chapter of Norwegian photographic history, inviting audiences to explore Sandberg’s unique visual language and enduring artistic legacy.
Installation view from Tom Sandberg: Vibrant World, 2025–2026, Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. Photo: Christian Tunge / Henie Onstad Kunstsenter
