Bente Sønstebø (b. 1981, Norway) is a contemporary artist known for her distinctive combination of pastel and watercolor—a technique that merges transparency and opacity into a poetic visual language. Her work explores the meeting point between strength and softness, where light and emotion form a deeply personal mode of expression.

Recurring motifs such as children with paper crowns, kintsugi, and reflections point to her central themes: freedom, hope, and the inherent worth of every human being. She was educated at Nydalen Art School and MOBE (2021–2023). Through experimentation and process, Bente continues to evolve her artistic voice.

Pastel painting forms the core of her practice—an intimate, tactile medium where vulnerability is transformed into strength. Bente is self-taught in this technique, as soft pastel is a relatively little-known medium in Norway.

From autumn 2025, she will be represented by Galleri ER in Sandefjord.

Exhibitions:

2023

Dalype Galleri, Oslo

2024

Kingo Galleri, Denmark

2025

Barakke 4, Stavern