The Story of One Portrait

How portrait become Legendary.

5/6/20254 min read

The Story of One Portrait – In Memory of Steinar and Håkon Olaisen

It all began over dinner. Project: “Fine Dining with a Hungry Artist.”

Håkon Olaisen, a Norwegian entrepreneur with an adventurous spirit and a recently broken heart, joined me in Palma de Mallorca at the launch of my experiential art series Fine Dining with a Hungry Artist. He was curious, open to new beginnings, and drawn to the unknown magic of Mallorca. What followed was a journey of shared visions, healing, and legacy.

Nova Sea. 1972. Steinar Olaisen.

Over the course of that dinner, Håkon confided in me the remarkable story of his father, Steinar Olaisen—a true pioneer in the field of aquaculture. Steinar was not just a national figure in Norway’s fishing industry; he was the inventor of circular salmon farming, an innovation that revolutionized food production and brought considerable wealth and sustainability to his country. “He fed a nation,” Håkon told me, “and he did it with vision.”

Photo Nova Sea.

As we talked, Håkon reflected on how he too had found unexpected success. While working in Poland, he became a millionaire virtually overnight through the development of Nueva Sea, a company that continued his father’s legacy by advancing circular sea farming. (Stories like his, about accidental millionaires rising from Norway’s fish-farming industry, echo eerily similar tales featured in recent Netflix documentaries.)

* He was a co-owner of Nova Sea, a leading salmon farming and processing company founded by his father in 1972. The company operates more than 30 fish farms in northern Norway.

With a personal fortune estimated at over EUR 46 million, Olaisen ranked among the 400 wealthiest people in Norway.

Inspired by his father’s impact and searching for a meaningful way to honour it, Håkon shared his desire to create something enduring. I proposed a tribute: a large-format portrait of Steinar Olaisen, not just as a man, but as a symbol of innovation, legacy, and national pride. The idea of a museum emerged—one that could house the portrait and tell the broader story of circular farming and its transformative power.

Beyond art, our connection deepened through healing. Håkon was battling addiction, and we created retreat programs between Mallorca and Ibiza to support his recovery. He found strength and serenity in these islands. We even attended the Mindvalley Festival in Ibiza—a gathering of spiritually driven leaders from around the world. He was captivated by the beauty of Mallorca and decided to invest in property and explore circular farming in the Mediterranean climate. “Why not?” he said. “If it works in Dubai, it can thrive here too.”

Our paths soon diverged. I travelled to Dubai to explore opportunities to open an art gallery, while Håkon returned to Norway, then Poland.

Just a few days ago, I received devastating news: Håkon Olaisen died in a car crash in Poland he was only 41 years old on May 1st and he was listed among Norway’s 400 wealthiest individuals. His company has since been sold in 2025, but his story—and his father’s—lives on.

Lovund. Norway.

This portrait, now more than ever, has become a sacred act of remembrance. It’s no longer just about legacy. It is about love, loss, dreams shared over dinner, and the echo of visionaries who left us too soon.

May their memory be eternal.

Info:

Founding Nova Sea

In 1972, Olaisen began his journey in salmon farming with a modest start of 1,200 smolt. His commitment to quality, sustainability, and local community engagement laid the foundation for Nova Sea's growth into a significant player in the aquaculture sector. The company now produces over 12 million salmon annually and operates more than 15 production sites along the Helgeland coast.

Nova Through his dedication and vision, Steinar Olaisen has left an indelible mark on Norway's aquaculture industry, with his values and influence continuing to shape its future.

Core Values and Philosophy

Olaisen's approach emphasized honesty, operational prudence, and a deep connection to local communities. These principles remain central to Nova Sea's operations, which are guided by values of being local, responsible, competent, and proud.

Olaisen's legacy is also evident in the recent developments within the company. In early 2025, Nova Sea was sold to Mowi, marking a significant change in the Norwegian salmon farming landscape. This sale signifies the end of an era for family-owned salmon farming companies in Norway.

#hakonolaisen #novasea #steinarolaisen #salmon #tacoon #millionaire #norwigianmillionaire #iconzar #artisticonzar