Asle Raaen

Asle Raaen (1934 to 2007) was a Norwegian artist and printmaker, born in Drammen. He studied at the National Academy of Fine Arts under Per Krohg and later in Paris, including S. W. Hayter’s Atelier 17. He chaired Norske Grafikere in 1973.

Printmaking and GRAS

Raaen was among the artists in GRAS, a group active from the turn of 1969/1970 until autumn 1974. The group used printmaking for political and social messages. KORO records his screenprint “Karusell”, dated 1971, as part of the GRAS portfolio.

Hattemakerkrigen and public art

Ringerike municipality records “Hattemakerkrigen” by Asle Raaen at Hønefoss bridge. This public work must be distinguished from individual prints with related titles. A shared artist and subject do not mean that two works have the same composition, technique or date.

Name, signature and documentation

The name is spelled Asle Raaen. Handwritten signatures can be difficult to read, especially in photographs taken through glass. Compare letter forms and the complete image with reliable references. A loose label or verbal attribution alone does not establish authorship.

For a print, also record the title, technique, date, edition number and dimensions. Check the paper and mount, and preserve labels and inscriptions on the back as separate documentation. A general artist biography does not itself authenticate a particular sheet.

Sources: GRAS: Asle Raaens CV; KORO: GRAS grafikkmappe 1971; KORO: Karusell; Ringerike kommune: Skulpturer og severdigheter.