Kine Kjær
About Kine Kjær
Kine Yvonne Kjær is an illustrator originally from Trollvik, Senja, currently based in Tromsø, northern Norway. She holds a Bachelor of Art and Media from Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia, obtained in 2009. Since graduating, Kjær has developed a successful career as a freelance illustrator and artist, serving both domestic and international clients, such as Apple, Patagonia, Cappelen Damm and UEFA (Women’s Euro 2022)
Raised in close connection with the sea and within a family that maintains Sea Sámi traditions, she has developed a strong cultural foundation and serves as a custodian of a heritage and spiritual way of life shaped by extensive colonization. Kjær frequently integrates elements of Sami culture into her work, aiming to celebrate and promote her heritage.
When creating illustrations for young children, she uses freehand drawing to bring out lively and energetic expressions. Her work often draws strong inspiration from silkscreen printing, with bold colors and white outlines arranged in clear, layered sections that are purposefully offset from the main subject. This gives her art a nostalgic feel, much like the classic silkscreen prints and illustrations that influenced her growing up.
Awards and Nominations
2024 Coop Nord’s Culture Prize
2009 Arvid Hanssen Prize for young artists with ties to Northern Norway