Photo: Lisbeth Lund Andresen
Ronny Østnes, an acclaimed art photographer from Strømmen, Norway, has earned recognition for his captivating work. His art is showcased in numerous private and public collections both within Norway and around the globe. Østnes works with art photography through a distinctive storytelling style.
To create something that moves, one must first dare to be moved, he says. Many recognize this as one of Østnes’s greatest strengths as an art communicator: his ability to fully immerse himself in the material and breathe life into it by embracing its emotional depth. Through this approach, photography comes alive, he asserts. For him, this makes the work profoundly meaningful.
Østnes has appeared frequently on Norwegian TV and radio. He has authered several books, received numerous awards and grants for his work. He has held nearly 100 exhibitions. Additinaly, he is a speaker and cultural creator by involving communities in large-scale photography projects. Through this, his 70-year-old camera becomes a tool to highlighting current issues and empowering social groups. Østnes pursues beyond photography; with his camera, he seeks to capture profound reflections of life. This is why his profession and passion hold such deep significance, he explains.
Selected exhibitions
2025 «Thank you!» – Bergen city center
2025 «Dolls of NRK Children’s television» – Lillestrøm
2024 «Childhood» – Astrid Lindgrens Näs, Astrid Lindgren’s Museum, Sweden.
2022 «Women of the City – 100 portraits», Grieghallen, Bergen
2018 ”Edvard Grieg – a meeting in photography». Troldhaugen, Bergen.
2016 ”100 portraits”, Lillestrøm kultursenter
2016 ”Nils Petter Molvær«, The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, Oslo.
2014 ”Swan Lake”, Nationaltheatret, Oslo
2013 ”Stortinget”, Stortinget, Oslo
2013 ”Tango”, New York
2012 ”Tango”, Nordic Light International Center of Photography, Kristansund
2012 «Tango«, Gothenburg, Sweden
2003 «Mozell øyeblikket», Henie Onstad, Oslo
Grants:
2018 Grieg Foundation.