Utdrag av kritikker i forbindelse med utstillingen i Tokyo -94:

  "A young Norwegian artist whose works are exhibited for the first time in Japan proves it. His work impels us to gaze at the human predicament and the humanity. It has been some time since we could experience such a strong impression from portraits last time.,, ".... Despite the tranquility and the simple expressions, one gets the impression that Sobye's portraits illuminate and bring forth the long history of humanity; the long passage of time (since the eternal past, or) since the original Sin of Adam and Eve. One cannot but be deeply moved by his work.
In Sobyes art, we see the deep insight into the human predicament which is depicted with warmth and compassion."  Haruo Santa, Mainichi Shimbun
, one of the major newspaper in Japan, Feb. 21, 1994.  
"We are told that he is "self-educated", without any formal art education.
However, the exceptional insight that we detect in his art and the ability to
penetrate into the depth of existential aspects of humanity and into the
civilisation, tell us that his talent is an innate one and a gift of God."  From : Geiiutsu Shincho , an art. journal in Japan. April 1994.  
"The painter is confirming now the positions of human beings
in front of God. Looking at Sobye's exhibition and seeing all of his works has been sold out in this depression age,- I was glad to find artistic eyes in this country.
Sobye's realism paintings are rather clear and very objective, and not only technic or composition, but express the anxieties of lonely weaklings and to tell their inner feeling subjectively.
It may be the proper power of realism."  Mamoru Yonekura. "Art Top" 1994. No. 140 
"It is calm, but intence message from Norwegian artist Sobye born in 1956,
who has beginned to paint as if received a revelation since 1982.
This is inner scream, wail.
Properly galleries should discover such artists.
This is probably one of the best exhibitions in (Japan) 1994."  Editorial note "Art Top" 1994. No 140 
"Exhibited 16 works inn all, but all works were sold out within the first week, in spite of such severe subjects, and the title "Inferno".
What means this fact indeed? Doesn't it show us the proper function of eminent painting?
Even in this financial depression age, no, because of this very depression age, people's true desire is neither goods of famous brands nor works adequate for interior, but plastic expression made by "nonverbal lana,uage" flowed out from human souls living always sincerely. His works proved it splendidly.
It's a pity, but this exhibition is until today. I am writing now, hoping this newspaper arrive to you as soon as possible and you go to the gallery immediately. I am writing with such heated and bouncing soul, after a long absence, and it is the very power of his art. I hope for this artist's next exhibition in Japan."   Teshihiko Wasio, Komei Newspaper Feb. 26. 1994 
"Sobye is internationally not well known, and of course introduced to Japan for the first time. But looking at his sixteen works, these are very suggestive,
full of demanding power reconsiderations about the situation of todays painting.
The artist shows his excellent depicting power......."   (M) Sankei Shimbun, Feb 22. 1994 
Without the title 'Head of Christ , it cannot be changed that the work would
be persuasive as a masterpiece. At any rate, this is a rare work in presenting
this much reality of Christ's face.
I even thought of the possibility that the piece would leave behind its name
on art history."  Review from Summer Issue, 1994 Quarterly Poetry Magazine "Fune"