Svein Tråserud, known artistically as Leo T, is a contemporary Norwegian artist from Heddal near Notodden in Telemark. His career bridges music and visual art, and he is based in Notodden, a town renowned for its strong industrial and blues heritage.
He made his UK debut at the Parallax Art Fair in London in 2012, later participating in the “4 YEARS & COUNTING!” anniversary exhibition at NOoSPHERE Arts in New York City in 2015 — an artist‑run venue with a special focus on international and Norwegian contemporary art.
Before fully committing to visual art, Tråserud had an extensive music career, touring Europe and the United States as the drummer for the industrial metal band Mortiis, a group with ties to the influential Norwegian metal scene. His period with the band is well documented across music press and biographies.
In 2018 he served as the official artist for the Notodden Blues Festival, a major role that highlighted his deep connection to the cultural life of his hometown. The commission — widely mentioned in regional culture coverage — solidified his status as a local and national contributor to the arts.
A significant part of his artistic recognition comes from his collaboration with acclaimed Norwegian author Hans Herbjørnsrud. Tråserud’s work “The Water Bearer (Vannbæreren)”, created as part of the series Herbjørnsrud’s Universe, was chosen as the cover artwork for the short‑story collection Her kan alt skje (Gyldendal, 2013). This connection is documented in literary reference sources. [snl.no]
His artworks — often created using spray paint, egg‑oil tempera, and laser‑cut MDF — have been shown in Norway, London, and New York. Art marketplaces and galleries describe his practice as highly distinctive, emphasising craftsmanship and originality rather than mass production.
Beyond exhibitions, Tråserud also contributed cover design for American author David John Smith’s book Parallel Mind Trips (2019), as noted in international book listings.