Charcoal & Graphite Artist
Drawing portraits that feel alive.
About Emmanuel.
Emmanuel Hølaas is a Norwegian artist working primarily in charcoal and graphite, with a focus on hyperrealistic portraiture. His work explores the relationship between observation, presence, and human connection, with a strong emphasis on light, form, and subtle tonal transitions.
Hølaas has developed his artistic practice through years of dedicated study in figurative drawing, including mentorship with internationally acclaimed hyperrealist artists Kelvin Okafor and Dirk Dzimirsky. In 2022, he participated in his first international exhibition at The Holy Art Gallery in London. In 2024, he held his first solo exhibition.
In 2025, Hølaas was elected as a member of the Norwegian Drawing Association (Tegnerforbundet) and the Norwegian Visual Artists Association (NBK). He lives and works in Trondheim, Norway.
Photo: Hedda Estensen
Portfolio
“Do You See?” - an eye series
Portraits
Testimonials
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![Snøkrystallmønster med en tegneseriefigur i vinterklær og teksten 'Steinkjer kulturu'.]()
Steinkjer Kulturhus
"Emmanuel's portraits are more than faithful representations of reality; they are vibrant, engaging, and deeply compelling. They meet the viewer's gaze and leave a lasting impression. Do You See? offers a unique opportunity to experience hyperrealism at its most engaging, both in person and online."
(Exhibition Preview)
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![Et vergensymbol med snøkrystaller i bakgrunnen og teksten 'Steinkjer kulturhus' ved siden av en tegneserie av en liten dukke kledd i en gul jakke, rød skjerf, blå lue med hvit pels og øreklokker, og en snøball på hodet.]()
Gunnhild Tettli – Head of Steinkjer Kulturkvartal
“This was magic."
On Steinkjer Pride Art at Steinkaret.
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![Regnbue med teksten "Steinkjer Pride" under]()
Turid Saursaunet – Former Pride Director, Steinkjer Pride
"It has been truly moving to witness Emmanuel's development throughout this project. Not only because of the remarkable artwork he creates, but also because of his personal growth after being given the opportunity to show what he is capable of—and the recognition he has received from well-known artists. Having the opportunity to showcase a local talent in this way has been incredibly meaningful for Steinkjer Pride as a movement, and for me personally."
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![En mann med langt hår og skjegg smiler og peker mens han holder en pekepenn, i svart-hvitt.]()
Kelvin Okafor – One of the World's Leading Hyperrealist Artists
“This just got me all emotional. Proud is an understatement in describing how I feel about you and your progress”
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![En svart-hvitt tegning av en eldre kvinne med kort, lys hår, iført en mønstret skjorte og ørepynt.]()
Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad – Advocate for Transgender Rights
"Fabulous! You captured what Terje Strømdahl called 'the laser.'"
On Emmanuel Hølaas' portrait of them.
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![Et svart-hvitt portrett av en mann med skjegg og kort hår, iført en høyhalset kjole.]()
Morten Hegseth Riiber – Media Personality
"Oh my God, it's absolutely incredible."
On Emmanuel Hølaas' portrait of him.
Follow Emmanuel on Social Media
