PER ADOLFSEN
b.1964, Odense, DK
Lives and works in Odense, DK
Per Adolfsen’s works on paper depict surreal and dramatic natural landscapes inspired by the topographies of his native Denmark and the extraordinary places he has encountered in his travels. His landscapes, both individually and collectively, invite contemplation of humanity’s relationship with nature—how we are shaped by it and, in turn, how we leave our mark upon it. Though devoid of human figures, his compositions become self-portraits, reflecting his deep emotional engagement with the world.
Spartanly, Adolfsen starts with field sketches, using only pencils and paper to meticulously capture his surroundings both literally and emotionally. Back in his studio, he translates these impressions onto large-scale works executed in colored pencil, graphite, and chalk. Using wide swaths of gentle yet prominent colored pencil marks, the joys and sorrows of life in cohabitation become visible. His landscapes, from snowcapped mountains to arid desert canyons, vividly depict the beauty and harshness of the natural world. Through changing seasons, he explores themes of personal transformation and the joys and sorrows of life.
With moonlit rock formations, desolate plains, and vast open roads, Adolfsen’s compositions evoke both solitude and wonder. His approach recalls the execution of Caspar David Friedrich and the narratives of Henry David Thoreau, blending artistic execution with philosophical reflection. His works invite viewers to journey alongside him, witnessing the awe-inspiring nuances of nature and the ever-shifting emotional landscapes of human experience.
Per Adolfsen (b. 1964 Odense, DK; lives and works in Odense, DK) has had solo exhibitions at Dianna Witte Gallery, Toronto, CA; The Anzai Gallery, Tokyo, JP; Sobering Galerie, Paris, FR; Gallery Thomas Jaeckel, New York, NY, US; among others. Group exhibitions include RHODES Contemporary Art Gallery, London, UK; Knust Kunz Gallery, Munich, DE; Alexander Ochs, Berlin, DE; and Christoffer Egelund, Copenhagen, DK.