The ever-growing arts and craft industry has radically transformed over the last couple of decades. Through not only offline but online transactions too, the art market has experienced staggering growth. Every other week, we hear news about art pieces being sold for millions of dollars.
Although the sudden boom in online activities has given easy access to artisans and their work, some people still work behind the scene, putting together the puzzle pieces for you. One of such people is Eivind Furnesvik.
Frequently mentioned as one of the most significant people in the art world, Eivind had assisted in the global promotion of the Nordic arts. However, not many know the intimate details about Furnesvik's life. So, in this biography, we have disclosed the life of the famous art dealer.
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Grew Up In Norway, A Nordic Country
Norwegian art scholar Eivind Furnesvik was born in April 1973 in Oslo. Many consider Norway as a once-in-a-lifetime destination that encompasses majestic mountains, glaciers, and deep coastal fjords.
As such, little Furnesvik grew up in Oslo with his family while appreciating the natural and scenic beauty his country offers the entire world.
In addition, Eivind has been a cycling enthusiast since his early years and even rides his bike passionately nowadays. Thus, the young art dealer enjoyed traveling to these breathtaking locations while cycling with his friends.
Felt A Lack of Norwegian Art Distributors
Growing up, Furnesvik developed an innate admiration for Scandinavian art. Norwegian artwork and crafts inspired him and made him fall in love with his country even more.
However, as a teenager, Eivind realized the absence of exhibitions and museums to showcase Norwegian art. Moreover, he recognized the detachment of Nordic artists from the rest of the globe.
Even as a teenager, Eivind Furnesvik realized the necessity of art exhibitions and museums to showcase Norwegian talents. Photo Source: Eivind's Instagram.
Consequently, Eivind aspired to provide a suitable platform for his country's artisans that would help uplift the value of Scandinavian art in the international market.
Journey To Europe's Top Art Dealers
Following the completion of his studies, Eivind decided to work in the world of arts and help elevate the scene. So, he actively sought out organizations restoring the Scandinavian art industry in Oslo.
Subsequently, Eivind worked for two non-profit establishments in Oslo, the National Foundation for Art in Public Buildings and the Photographers' Gallery, now renamed Fotogalleriet. During his tenure at the National Foundation, Furnesvik was responsible for commissioning various artworks. Nevertheless, he didn't stick around for long there.
Eivind soon joined Fotogalleriet located in central Oslo, the first Nordic institution solely dedicated to photography as a critical art practice. Here, he ascended the ranks and was appointed as a director.
Foundation Of STANDARD (OSLO)
In the autumn of 2004, Eivind left Fotogalleriet as he believed he was not doing enough to introduce Norwegian artists to the global market. Afterward, he traveled to New York, presenting "Standard Escape Routes," featuring emerging artists like Gardar Eide Einarsson, Marius Engh, Matias Faldbakken, Kim Hiorthøy, and Ane Graff.
Later on, Furnesvik came back to Oslo and collaborated with another art dealer and historian, Peter Snare, to open his own gallery named STANDARD (OSLO) in 2005. After his partner left the establishment in 2007, Eivind worked solely as a director and owner of the gallery.
Since opening his own gallery, STANDARD (OSLO), in 2005, Eivind Furnesvik has helped Scandinavian art connect with the rest of the world. Photo Source: Mary's Instagram.
Through his continuous hard work and labor, Eivind has introduced STANDARD (OSLO) as one of the most prestigious art galleries worldwide. Furthermore, the gallery owner has aided local art stalwarts like Matias Faldbakken, Fredrik Værslev, and many more to rise to the international level.
Since 2005, Furnesvik has exhibited his art collection at various art fairs, like Liste in Basel, Art Copenhagen, and NADA. Additionally, for his contribution in putting Norway's small but flourishing art scene on the map, he has been named in the list of "Europe's 10 Most Respected Art Dealers," alongside other notable art collectors like Johann König, Elba Benitez, Sadie Coles, etc.
Eivind Furnesvik Net Worth And Earnings
Over the years, Furnesvik has established himself as a significant figure in the arts and crafts industry and regularly deals with art pieces worth thousands of dollars. Owing to this, people can't help but wonder about all the fortune he has amassed over the years.
The Norwegian gallerist has been exhibiting and dealing with valuable art pieces for about two decades. As such, Eivind Furnesvik's net worth primarily consists of his earnings as an art dealer.
Eivind Furnesvik's net worth comprises of his earnings as a successful art dealer. Photo Source: Mary's Instagram.
As reported by ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary of an art dealer is around $56,000, which varies depending upon the number of exhibits and art pieces sold. Given Furnesvik's dominance and recognition in the field, his income must be around the same range or even higher. Furthermore, he earns an additional sum of money through ticket sales for his exhibitions.
Eivind Furnesvik's net worth has increased at a rapid rate in recent years. Although the art dealer has not publicly spoken about his earnings, we can safely assume he boasts assets worth millions.
Is Eivind Furnesvik Married?
As one of the most powerful people in the art world, Eivind Furnesvik has collected acclaim from colleagues and collectors alike. And while most of us are aware of his deeds to help uplift the Nordic art scene, only a handful of people know about his love life and romance.
So, time and again, a query arises, "Does art collector Eivind Furnesvik have a wife?" If yes, "Who is she?" If you are also asking these questions, worry not; we are here to fulfill your curiosity.
Lovely Relationship of Eivind Furnesvik
Prominent gallery owner Eivind Furnesvik is a married man and a doting husband. He is in a sweet relationship with his life partner, Mary Grace Wright.
Eivind Furnesvik's wife, Mary, is a fellow art admirer and colleague from Texas, USA. Therefore, it is highly plausible that the couple met through their shared passion for arts and crafts. Nowadays, Eivind's companion, Mary, acts as a director in STANDARD (OSLO).
Since Eivind maintains a low profile and rarely speaks about his intimate life in front of the media, there is little to no information about his past dating experiences and affairs.
Norwegian art historian Eivind Furnesvik got married to a fellow art admirer and scholar, Mary Grace Wright, in August of 2017. Photo Source: Mary's Instagram.
Nevertheless, a quick inspection of the duo's Instagram posts suggests that they dated for a while before finally deciding to get tied in wedlock. The pair got married in August of 2017.
It has been more than three years since Eivind and Mary became a husband-and-wife duo, and their bond is growing stronger by the day. But, the couple has not shared much about their love life endeavors. Moreover, Furnesvik and his spouse are yet to welcome children into their lives.
Therefore, we hope to get a deeper insight into the pair's lives in the near future.
Fun Facts And Trivia
- Eivind adores dogs and has two of his own.
- He is an avid Instagram user, with over 2.1K followers.