Modern Art and Design 

HWK (Håkon Paulsen, b. 1984) is a Norwegian contemporary artist based in Sandnes, where he lives and works from his studio. Creativity has been a defining force throughout his life. At just ten years old, he won a national drawing competition connected to the Lillehammer Winter Olympics, resulting in his artwork being printed as a postage stamp in an edition of one million—an early milestone that marked the beginning of a lifelong artistic journey.

HWK has a solid academic foundation in visual arts, having completed a three-year program in drawing, form, and color, followed by further studies in art, media, and communication at OsloMet. With over a decade of professional experience as an art educator, he combines strong technical skills with a deep understanding of visual storytelling and contemporary expression.

His practice spans street art, pop art, 3D design, and apparel design, resulting in a distinctive and recognizable visual language. HWK's work is characterized by bold colors, urban energy, and striking contrasts, often blending playful elements with refined composition. The result is art that is both visually impactful and highly accessible to collectors.

Working under the name HWK, Håkon Paulsen has exhibited in multiple exhibitions and group shows and is an established artist within the contemporary art scene. His works appeal to private collectors, commercial clients, and galleries seeking strong, modern statements with a clear visual identity.

For a deeper insight into HWK's artistic journey and creative process, listen to a podcast interview with Accelerated Learning and Joachim Andersen,