Svein Tråserud, known professionally as Leo Troy, is a Norwegian contemporary artist whose work spans painting, mixed media, music, literature, and cultural collaboration. Born and raised in Heddal near Notodden in the Telemark region of Norway, he draws inspiration from personal history, Nordic landscapes, industrial heritage, mythology, and the interplay between imagination and reality.
After studying art and creative disciplines for more than a decade, Tråserud developed a distinctive visual language characterised by symbolism, narrative depth, and meticulous craftsmanship. Rather than pursuing volume, he focuses on creating unique works that emphasise originality, technical experimentation, and emotional resonance.
Before dedicating himself entirely to visual art, Tråserud built an international reputation as a musician. As drummer for the industrial metal band Mortiis, he toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States between 2001 and 2007, experiences that continue to influence the energy and atmosphere of his artistic practice.
His artworks have been exhibited internationally, including exhibitions in London, New York, and Germany, while maintaining a strong connection to his creative base in Notodden. Highlights include his UK debut at the Parallax Art Fair in London, exhibitions at NOoSPHERE Arts in New York, and the 2026 exhibition"BALANCE" at Kunsthaus sans titre in Potsdam, Germany.
In 2018, he was appointed the official artist of the Notodden Blues Festival, one of Norway's most celebrated cultural events. Today, Leo Troy continues to develop new artistic projects and exhibitions, exploring the boundaries between visual art, narrative, music, and human experience.
In 2018, he was appointed the official artist of the Notodden Blues Festival, one of Norway's most celebrated cultural events. Today, Leo Troy continues to develop new artistic projects and exhibitions, exploring the boundaries between visual art, narrative, music, and human experience.
A significant chapter of Tråserud's artistic career has been his collaboration with acclaimed Norwegian author Hans Herbjørnsrud. The resulting series, Herbjørnsrud's Universe, interpreted the author's distinctive literary world through visual art. One of these works was selected as the cover artwork for Herbjørnsrud's collection Her kan alt skje, published by Gyldendal.
- "I chose Svein (LeoT) to illustrate my short stories because he is the best of all to express the hallucinated realism I write."
Hans Herbjørnsrud, author
Hans Herbjørnsrud, author
Tråserud has also collaborated with writer, producer, and cultural entrepreneur David John Smith through projects connected to Norway Communicates and Wild Telemark, contributing to initiatives that connect art, storytelling, music, regional identity, and international cultural exchange. This collaboration has helped bring his work to broader audiences while strengthening his role within the cultural landscape of Telemark.
