Rooted in heritage.
Created to connect people.
Carried forward by the next generation.
My art often starts with heritage as a way of reflection, helping me understand where we come from,
how we stand in the present, and the directions we might take.
Rune Francisco Fauske, Solsoldat is a visual artist with three studios in Norway: one based in Svolvær, Lofoten, where he has worked for 19 years. one in Asker from 2025, and one located deep in nature in a big wooden castle in Tinn, Telemark. These places form the foundation of his artistic inspiration. With more than 15 years of professional artistic practice, he works primarily within painting,drawings and public street art. He is known for works that combine contemporary visual expression with strong narratives rooted in coastal culture, history, and human identity. Throughout his career, Fauske has held numerous solo exhibitions, participated in large-scale public art commissions, and collaborated with both institutions and private actors across Norway. Solsoldat’s outdoor works can be found on building facades and traditional fishermen’s cabins (rorbuer) throughout Lofoten, as well as in many other locations across the country. He has also played a key role in developing art projects for children and young people, particularly through UngKunst Norway, which since 2020 has worked to strengthen creativity, cultural understanding, and artistic confidence among youth. His works have been acquired by one of Europe’s and Norway’s largest and most significant private art collectors. Selected Artistic Milestones •Solo exhibition, Wrap Art Gallery, Bergen (2008) •Public art commission, Kræmer-as Building, Tromsø (2021) •Tree art works have been acquired for the Nordic Management Art Collection. •Exhibition, North Norwegian Art Centre / Galleri Nord-Norge, Harstad (2022) •Street art installations from Reine to Svolvær and Vesterålen (2013–2024) •Founder of UngKunst – a nationwide art program for youth (2020– ) •Sale of large-scale painting to one of Europe and Norway’s largest private art collectors (2023) •Street art project for Rjukan and the Numedal Railway (2022) •Grant from the Snowshoe Thompson Memorial Fund (2021) •Vågan Cultural Award (2023) •Visit by H.M. Queen Sonja to Galleri Skrei and UngKunst (2023)
