Born 1954 in Sortland, Norway.
Lives and works in Berlin, Germany.
Artist, professor at Braunschweig University of Art, Braunschweig, Germany.

1980–1981 The National Academy of Fine Arts, Oslo, Norway

1976–1979 The National College of Art and Design, Oslo, Norway

Olav Christopher Jenssen is one of Norway’s most internationally acclaimed artists on the contemporary art scene.

Jenssen achieved his international breakthrough during Documenta IX, Kassel, Germany, in 1992.

In 1997 he succeeded Sigmar Polke as professor of painting at the University of Fine Arts of Hamburg, Germany, a position he held until 2003.

In 2007 he took up the corresponding position at the Braunschweig University of Art in Braunschweig, Germany.

In 2001, Olav Christopher Jenssen was awarded the Willy Brandt Award for his work to foster cooperation and cultural understanding between Norway and Germany.