Roar Kjærnstad’s basic artistic expression is a combination of abstract and figurative forms. The goal in his pictures is to make abstract and recognizable shapes coexist in a self-contained universe. However, this universe can not be described as surreal, but more like a fragmented and volatile reality. This is not only evident in the textures, but also in the general composition and the dissolution of traditional perspectives. In other words; a fine reflection of the contemporary society. Still, in many of the pictures there is a lingering sense  of calm and serenity. Initially, this can seem like a contradiction, but on closer inspection, this might turn out to be the intention of the artist. Despite this, a classical foundation is always detectable in the pictures.