
18. dec. 2024
Part of the OFF THE WALL exhibitions at Monday Studio - February 2025
Concept and interview by Jakob Hindhede.
Monday Studio presents an intimate exploration of Norwegian artist Elias Forberg's provocative and deeply personal art.
Through the lens of vulnerability, raw emotion, and bold experimentation, Forberg invites audiences to delve into the darker aspects of the human psyche. His work is unflinchingly honest, offering a visual dialogue that is both unsettling and profoundly moving.

A Life Shaped by Creativity
From a young age, Elias demonstrated an insatiable drive to create.
Reflecting on his childhood, he shares:
"My mother loves to tell this story from when I was in kindergarten. While the other kids came out with one proud drawing each, I would run out with 10 or 20. That’s always felt representative of me - this overwhelming need to create."
Elias’ journey as an artist began in earnest during an all-night painting and drawing marathon at a creative collective five years ago. It was a pivotal moment that solidified his commitment to art as a transformative force in his life.
Confronting Darkness
Elias’ art thrives in the tension between chaos and control, shame and redemption.
His works are often created during periods of emotional upheaval, when, as he puts it:
"I work best when I’m at my worst personally. When I need to escape, express, scream, or disappear. It’s hard to connect with those emotions when life is good and the sun is shining. But when life is dark and depressing, that’s when I’m closest to my feelings and thoughts, and the need to express myself is strongest."
This raw emotional connection manifests in pieces like "Kirkebrann," where tar and burnt wood recreate the scent and texture of a burned-down church. The work immerses viewers in an atmosphere of destruction and introspection.

Experimentation and Honest Expression
Elias embraces unconventional materials and techniques to push the boundaries of artistic expression.
In his words:
"I once made a two-meter plaster figure symbolizing my self-loathing. I hung it up and burned it as an attempt to 'kill' that feeling."
Such experimentation underscores Elias’ belief that art must confront, provoke, and resonate deeply. His honesty extends to integrating personal diary excerpts into his pieces, offering a direct conversation with his audience.
The Artist in His Own Words
When asked about the essence of his art, Elias describes it as:
"Raw, confrontational, honest, and full of discomfort - but at the same time, deeply human."
He also reflects on his creative process, which is rooted in chaos:
"Chaos, where emotions and coincidences guide me, with sporadic moments of focus. It’s an explosive struggle between chaos and control."
A Bold Vision for Art
Elias is unapologetically critical of superficial art trends:"Art without relevance is decorative and doesn’t interest me. I detest that kind of pop art with flashy neon colors and clipped-in pop-culture figures lacking any creative integrity. It’s just scrapbooking."
Instead, his work champions vulnerability and authenticity, drawing inspiration from both personal struggles and broader societal themes, such as the collective experience of growing up with unfiltered internet access.


Join Us
Experience Elias Forberg’s uncompromising vision at Monday Studio as part of our "OFF THE WALL" series.
This exhibition celebrates emerging and underground artists who challenge conventions and reimagine how art is experienced. Forberg’s work will be presented unframed, directly on the walls, inviting viewers into a raw and immersive artistic journey.
Exhibition Details
Grand opening Saturday, February 8, 2025 __ 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
At Monday Studio, Matthæusgade 21, 1666 Copenhagen V
Exhibition runs from Feb 8th to march 8th.
Admission is free!
Don’t miss this chance to engage with Elias Forberg’s powerful art and the stories it tells.
We look forward to welcoming you indoor!

pssst... didn't you see?
you're invited to the grand opening
for the unique exhibition with Elias Forberg.
__ February 8th 2025.
Doors open from 12.00 to 17.00 !
Monday Studio
Matthæusgade 21
1666 Copenhagen