Monika Helgesen (born 1979, in Sarpsborg) paints kitsch and is inspired by the great masters. She studied with Odd Nerdrum in the period 2000-2003 and later at the Repin Academy in St.Petersburg.

Helgelsen has won a podium place in the "world wide kitsch" competition twice, where they compete with classical figurative painters from all over the world.