Odd Nerdrum - Legal Difficulties

Legal Difficulties

In 2011, Nerdrum was convicted in Norway of tax evasion and sentenced to two years in prison. An appeal was filed. His defense claimed that a very large amount of money in a safe deposit box in Austria was "a safety fund for some 36 paintings that he created in the 80’s using an experimental medium which collectors complained began to melt when exposed to heat." The sentence was criticised as excessive. Art professor Øivind Storm Bjerke called the sentence "strict" and many supporters stated that there were flaws in the proceedings of the trial, such as faulty evidence. Nerdrum claimed the case was an attempt at political persecution. Under Norwegian law, Nerdrum would be forbidden from any painting activity in prison, as prisoners in Norway are not allowed to pursue business activities while incarcerated.

In January 2012, the Norwegian court of appeal granted Nerdrum a new trial. The trial began on June 11. After three trial days, Nerdrum was once again convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to two years and ten months in prison. The trial is to be appealed to the Norwegian Supreme Court.

In October 2012, Nerdrum faced a third legal loss, this time in a suit filed against the regional tax authority. The Oslo court ruled that the funds that Nerdrum had set aside in Austria did not constitute a 'loan, security, depot or committed funds' and should have been disclosed as income. Nerdrum will be responsible for court costs related to the suite unless he is successful on appeal.