Ari Behn

Ari Behn, born on September thirtieth, nineteen seventy-two, was a multifaceted Norwegian author, playwright, and visual artist. He gained significant public attention through his marriage to Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, which lasted from two thousand two until two thousand seventeen. Despite his royal connection, Behn held no title or special status, choosing to remain a private citizen throughout their union.

Initially known as Mikael Bjørshol until nineteen ninety-six, Behn made his literary mark with the release of his short story collection, Trist som faen, in nineteen ninety-nine. The book received numerous positive reviews in Norwegian media and became his most recognized work, selling nearly one hundred thousand copies by two thousand twenty. His engagement to Märtha Louise further propelled interest in his writing.

Following his marriage, Behn expanded his literary repertoire, producing four novels, two additional short story collections, a play, and a book detailing his wedding. However, his later works did not garner the same acclaim as Trist som faen. In addition to writing, he ventured into various artistic projects, including designing a china set named 'Peacock'.

Throughout the two thousands and twenty tens, Behn's public persona and artistic endeavors received mixed reviews in Norway. He openly acknowledged that many viewed him as a 'fool' and an amateur artist. From two thousand thirteen until his passing, he embraced a career as a visual artist, creating neo-expressionist paintings inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat. His artwork, characterized as 'highly narrative', was exhibited internationally in two thousand seventeen and eighteen.