Curated By J-P Brask-53 kopi.jpeg
Curated By J-P Brask-55 kopi.jpeg
INV-PODD-0021 kopi.jpeg
INV-PODD-0022 kopi.jpeg
INV-PODD-0024 kopi.jpeg
INV-SEBS-0086 kopi.jpeg
INV-SEBS-0087 kopi.jpeg
 

 

The exhibition

Curated by Jens-Peter Brask, the exhibition features 15 works by 5 highly talented, highly contrasting, contemporary artists from Denmark and Ukraine. The theme of the exhibition is war, revolt and the appalling conditions that many people in societies around the world face. How each artist tackles the theme is entirely up to them. There was just one simple ‘rule’. All the works presented in the exhibition must have been created in 2022, thereby reflecting each artist’s response to, and interpretation of the current global situation.

 

The artists

Agnete Bertram (DK) (b. 1983)

Agnete Bertram graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen in 2008. She describes her work as “a conversation” “a rhythm”, “a stroke”, which together create a pictorial act. The conversation can stem from a historical perspective, an understanding of space, everyday repetition or interaction with nature. Though working in a variety of materials, she has a passion for the ‘living’ quality of yarn and draws inspiration from tapestry, a form of expression used by mainly female visual and textile artists. Bertram regards it as an honour to perpetuate this tradition.

 

Anne-Sofie Overgaard (DK) (b.1990)

A graduate of the Jutland Art Academy (2011-2016) and the Bergen Academy of Art and Design (2014-2015), Overgaard’s principal forms of artistic expression are weaving, installation, sculpture and digital graphics. What fascinates her about weaving is the cultural history of the loom. It features in ancient mythology, but also has links to contemporary computer technology. The first computer in the world – the Analytical Engine – borrowed its binary punch card system from the industrial loom. The tactility of her installations and sculptural elements and her contrasting use of colours are hugely compelling, encouraging the viewer to make connections – between different eras, between organic and inorganic, between physical and digital, and between light and darkness. 

 

Dzvinya Podlyashetska (UA) (b. 1994)

The Ukrainian artist Dzvinya Podlyashetska lives and works in Lviv, Ukraine. She studied graphic design at the Ivan Trush Lviv State College of Decorative and Applied Arts (2010-2014) and fine art at the Department of Book & Printmaking Graphics at the Ukrainian Printmaking Academy in Lviv, Ukraine. Inspired by both minor everyday moments and major existential and political issues, her expressive paintings and works on paper reflect her interest in human interaction and emotion. Her work is colourful, sarcastic and constantly ambiguous: complexity meets simplicity, and tragedy comedy.

 

Nicholas Koshkosh (UA) (b. 1995)

The Ukrainian-born artist Nicholas Koshkosh lives and works in Kiev. He has gained international recognition for his colourful paintings and works on paper. Clearly inspired by his background in the world of graffiti and tattoos, his idiom can best be described as expressionistic and chaotic. Featuring a hotchpotch of references to the Bible and mythology, Slavic symbols and elements from contemporary mass culture – you name it – his works often embody a critique of ongoing political and societal issues.

 

Simon Sebastian (DK) (b. 1996)

The Danish artist Simon Sebastian lives and works in Copenhagen. He holds a BFA and studied at the Art Academy – Department of Contemporary Art (University of Bergen) and Paris Cergy National Graduate School of Art. Working in collage and sculpture, Simon Sebastian regards the working process as equally important as the finished work, and the materials, colours, shapes and textures of his archaeology- and research-based works exude a powerful energy. With a sustainable approach, he recycles both his own processes and previous works to create new artistic compositions.

The curator

Jens-Peter Brask (DK) (b. 1972)

A former graffiti artist, restaurateur and entrepreneur, Jens-Peter Brask purchased his first artwork in 1992 and now has an impressive collection of more than 1,000 works of trans-genre contemporary art. In 2016, he commenced a new chapter in his life, turning his back on the hectic restaurant and bar industry to become a full-time art collector, presenter, curator and publisher. He has created and curated a number of exhibitions for prominent museums and galleries, including: Julian Schnabel Aktion Paintings 1985-2017 at ARoS; Brask Collection Meets J.F. Willumsen at the J.F. Willumsen Museum; and Linjen - Haring, Heerup Husk Mit Name, Penck and Retna at the Heerup Museum. A major project involved commissioning a number of cutting-edge, internationally-acclaimed artists to paint murals on the end walls of houses in Copenhagen’s North West district. By the end of 2019, he had transformed the neighbourhood with a total of sixteen murals. Once a year for six years (prior to COVID-19), Jens-Peter Brask travelled the world, visiting and photographing the studios of artists and publishing his series of books Brask Studio Visits – a tribute to well-established contemporary artists and a helping hand for new talents on the block. For more information on Jens-Peter Brask, visit: www.jenspeterbrask.com