Paulina Ree
Oslo-based Painter, Educator, Curator, and Researcher
Paulina Ree is an Oslo-based painter, educator, curator, and researcher. Born in Ecuador, Ree moved to the United States as a teenager. It was during her time there that she first trained in art, pursuing her lifelong passion for painting and art history. While studying Economics at Boston College, she took several electives in art. Ree always envisioned establishing a full-time art practice, and in 2020, she achieved that dream.
Her art practice revolves around continuous research and participation in art-related workshops, both in-person and online. Ree explores drawing and painting in various mediums, focusing on portraiture and figurative art. She is passionate about female artists from history and the role of gender inequality in the art world, subjects she often discusses in talks held at her atelier. Ree is a member of BKA and NBK, both Norwegian organizations for professional visual artists.
Accomplishments
Scholarship: European Cultural Academy, Contemporary Art Course, Venice (July 2023)
Awards: Longlisted for VAO22 Artists (UK & International Emerging Artists Award) and finalist in the 8th Edition of the Boynes Artist Award (Young Artist Category)
Podcast Features: New Visionary Podcast and Colour Me Happy Podcast
Publications: Artist Talk Magazine, Artists of Today and Tomorrow, Contemporary Art Catalogue, Third Edition, among others
Paulina works from Sofonisba Atelier.
Artist Statement
My art speaks to my own past with mental health challenges and healing, encouraging others to explore these issues as part of our shared human experience.
I focus on life through the prism of the female experience, reflecting on and striving to understand the complexity of being human. My art explores and provokes contemplation about societal expectations and the quest for self-understanding and acceptance.
I intentionally highlight the people who have been most important in my life, creating a visual history of individuals who might otherwise be forgotten or invisible (particularly women). My work is deeply personal, placing me at the center as a storyteller of lives—both my own and others’.
I draw inspiration from music, old photographs, and books. Life, to me, is like a rokola, an old-style jukebox—music is always in the background, accompanying life’s highs and lows.
Contact
www.paulinaree.com
Paulina@paulinaree.com
Interview
What inspires your art practice and keeps you motivated?
All the women artists who came before me and contemporary artists who persist in leading creative lives.
Ever since I was a child, I knew I was an artist and wanted an art career. However, I didn’t know how to make it happen as a child, teenager, or even young adult. I barely knew of any women artists—Frida Kahlo was probably the only one, and she felt distant from my circumstances.
Now, with an established art practice, I educate others about women artists through self-guided research and my Patreon page. Women remain marginalized in the art world, but we persist. I strive to be the change I want to see.
How does your mission as an artist influence the work you create?
I started my career painting very personal pieces: portraits of family members, close friends, and self-portraits.
Over time, my research has deepened my understanding of the importance of these themes. History has often been told through the male gaze, and my work seeks to tell untold stories—encouraging others to reflect on our shared humanity through my paintings.
Can you share a key part of your creative process that helps you stay focused?
It took me time to realize my creative practice is wide-ranging and diverse; everything I do fuels the art I make.
As a busy mother of three, finding time in the atelier can be challenging. Journaling and reading have helped me better understand my process. A mentor, Beth Welch, showed me the importance of integrating all aspects of life—attending exhibitions, reading, listening to podcasts, sewing, knitting, photography, teaching, and learning—all of which nurture my practice.
Daily affirmations and short meditations in the morning help me stay grounded and focused.
What mindset tip do you rely on to overcome challenges in your art career?
Reflection and rest. Being overwhelmed or exhausted makes it difficult to think clearly. Regular breaks and self-care have been vital to overcoming challenges.
How do you hope your art impacts the world or your community?
I hope my art encourages self-reflection, positive emotions, and inspires people to pursue their dreams with determination and self-love.
I’m running workshops at my daughter’s school, my atelier, and a privately funded library by my sister. These workshops focus on self-care and incorporate art knowledge to inspire and uplift participants.
