Biography

The ability to create drawings and paintings that appear almost lifelike using nothing more than pencils and brushes on a two-dimensional surface has always fascinated Emmanuel. That fascination inspired him to pursue hyperrealism and dedicate himself to mastering the discipline.

In 2022, he began studying under the British hyperrealist artist Kelvin Okafor, before continuing his education with the German artist Dirk Dzimirsky, one of today's most acclaimed artists within the genre.

The same year, he participated in his first international exhibition at The Holy Art gallery in London. In 2023, Emmanuel was commissioned bySteinkjer Pride. to create a series of portraits celebrating Norwegian LGBTQ+ icons, The collection was exhibited during the 2024 Pride celebration at Steinkjer Kulturhus.

In 2025, he was elected as a member of theTegnerforbundet and Norske Billedkunstnere. In 2026, he returned to Steinkjer Kulturhus with his second major solo exhibition, Do You See?. Later that year, he co-founded REFRACT together with Hylja Dragsta Häninger, an initiative dedicated to creating new opportunities and visibility for queer artists.

CV

Born in 1979 in Leksvik, Norway.
Lives and works in Trondheim, Norway.

Business Registration

• Emmanuel Hølaas (trading as Lars Holaas Draws) — Org. No. 834 308 452

• REFRACT — Org. No. 937 728 360

Memberships

• Norwegian Visual Artists Association (NBK)

• Norwegian Drawing Association (Tegnerforbundet)

• BONO – Norwegian Visual Artists Copyright Society

Education

2023–2026
D.R.A.M.A. – Dzimirsky Realism Art Master Academy

2022–2023
Kelvin Okafor Art Academy

2001–2006
Torhild Ramberg Studio

2000–2001
Einar Granum School of Fine Art

Selected Commissions

2024–Present
Private Commissions

2024
Gras Band – Album Cover Artwork Bråtebrann

2023–2024
Steinkjer Pride – Portrait Commission

2004–2005
Etnan Forlag AS – Illustrations for the children's book Den lille prinsessen

Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions

2026
Østerlie Kunst og Farge, Trondheim, Norway

2026
Do You See? – Telegrafen, Steinkjer Kulturhus, Steinkjer, Norway

2025
Café Madam Brix, Steinkjer, Norway

2024
Steinkjer Pride Art – Steinkaret, Steinkjer Kulturhus, Steinkjer, Norway

Selected Group Exhibitions

2026
Bodies We Borrow – REFRACT, Trondheim, Norway (upcoming)

2025
Elvelys – A Journey Through Light, Art and Culture, Grong, Norway

2022
Art on Loop – The Holy Art Gallery, London, United Kingdom

2010
Galleri PAN, Oslo, Norway

Professional Activities (Selected)

2026
Co-founder of REFRACT – Queer Art Platform

2025
Jury Member, Visual Arts, UKM Regional Festival, Steinkjer Kulturhus, Norway

2024
Hilmar Festival – Living Library, a collaboration between SJ Nord, Steinkjer Library, Friby – Dialogue Centre, and the Hilmar Festival, Norway