Olav Christopher Jenssen
22 Jan - 28 Mar 2010
© Olav Christopher Jenssen
Appointment / Idiom, 2006-2008
Acrylic on canvas
Private collection, Berlin. Photo: Bernd Borchardt
Appointment / Idiom, 2006-2008
Acrylic on canvas
Private collection, Berlin. Photo: Bernd Borchardt
OLAV CHRISTOPHER JENSSEN
January 22 - March 28, 2010
The exhibition on the fifth floor in Kiasma presents Jenssen's latest work, colouristically exuberant paintings and organic sculptures. The titles of Jenssen's works evolve slowly during the painting process.
The paintings of the Norwegian artist Olav Christopher Jenssen (b. 1954) are spontaneous, yet they are also highly controlled. Jenssen says he needs both approaches, which is why he keeps several canvases primed and ready in his Berlin studio. Because large works require discipline and sustained effort, Jenssen needs these smaller standby canvases as a counterbalance so as to maintain impulsiveness and a continuous movement and circulation in his studio.
The exhibition on the fifth floor in Kiasma presents Jenssen's latest work, colouristically exuberant paintings and organic sculptures. The titles of Jenssen's works evolve slowly during the painting process. Sometimes the title seems to emerge by itself, leaping out from the work, sometimes it has to be ferreted out. The process of naming and collating their meanings is like the process of mixing paint: the smallest change can alter the final tone. Sometimes the artist is carried away by the etymological dictionary into an endless chain of meanings and signification.
The exhibition in Kiasma is entitled Panorama, which is also the title of the artist's latest series of works. Panorama presents a new kind of Jenssen. Just like all his series, this one too is a step in a new direction. Bright clear colours alternate with pastel tones, some colours retreat into the background, others rise to the front. Kaleidoscopic prisms alternate with quieter colouristic events. It is the art of a happy person.
The exhibition is produced in cooperation with Kunstallen Brandts (Denmark) and Sørlandets Konstmuseum (Norway).
January 22 - March 28, 2010
The exhibition on the fifth floor in Kiasma presents Jenssen's latest work, colouristically exuberant paintings and organic sculptures. The titles of Jenssen's works evolve slowly during the painting process.
The paintings of the Norwegian artist Olav Christopher Jenssen (b. 1954) are spontaneous, yet they are also highly controlled. Jenssen says he needs both approaches, which is why he keeps several canvases primed and ready in his Berlin studio. Because large works require discipline and sustained effort, Jenssen needs these smaller standby canvases as a counterbalance so as to maintain impulsiveness and a continuous movement and circulation in his studio.
The exhibition on the fifth floor in Kiasma presents Jenssen's latest work, colouristically exuberant paintings and organic sculptures. The titles of Jenssen's works evolve slowly during the painting process. Sometimes the title seems to emerge by itself, leaping out from the work, sometimes it has to be ferreted out. The process of naming and collating their meanings is like the process of mixing paint: the smallest change can alter the final tone. Sometimes the artist is carried away by the etymological dictionary into an endless chain of meanings and signification.
The exhibition in Kiasma is entitled Panorama, which is also the title of the artist's latest series of works. Panorama presents a new kind of Jenssen. Just like all his series, this one too is a step in a new direction. Bright clear colours alternate with pastel tones, some colours retreat into the background, others rise to the front. Kaleidoscopic prisms alternate with quieter colouristic events. It is the art of a happy person.
The exhibition is produced in cooperation with Kunstallen Brandts (Denmark) and Sørlandets Konstmuseum (Norway).