Maria Torp (f. 1975) is a Danish artist based in Copenhagen, Denmark. She graduated with an MFA from The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, after earlier studies at the London College of Printing. Torp's practice encompasses painting, drawing, and occasionally sculptural elements, with a distinct focus on the interaction of materials and the expressive potential of her chosen surfaces. A recurring feature in her work is her use of cardboard as a painting ground, which both challenges and enriches the visual impact of her works. Rooted in a hyperrealistic tradition, Torp's meticulous technique and sensitive handling of brush and line bring vitality and presence to her images. Her art engages with themes including social equality, the interplay between the personal and the global, and the complex conditions of human experience.
Torp has exhibited extensively in Denmark and internationally, including a recent large solo exhibition at Trapholt, Kolding (2024) among others and has exhibited at Mark Rothko Art Centre, Daugavpils; The Kastrupgård Collection, Kastrup; Holstebro Art Museum, Holstebro; Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Copenhagen; Gammel Strand, Copenhagen; Den Frie, Copenhagen and O-Overgaden, Copenhagen as well as in London, Amsterdam and Cape Town. Her artworks are held in public collections such as Trapholt, Vestjylland's Art Museum, Danish Arts Foundation, DK, The Velux Foundation, John A. Bennette Collection, US, Nykredit and the Mark Rothko Art Centre in Latvia.
Beyond her studio practice, Torp has written a book, MEGAPORTRÆTTER, on the project Shaping A Pattern, published by Gyldendal 2024 and made a documentary film, also called MEGAPORTRÆTTER launched by Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) 2025.