Per Kirkeby

Per Kirkeby (1938–2018) was a Danish artist whose multifaceted practice encompassed painting, sculpture, writing and filmmaking. Trained as a geologist, he earned a master’s degree in Arctic geology from the University of Copenhagen in 1964. His scientific background profoundly influenced his art, infusing it with themes of stratification, sedimentation and the passage of time.

Kirkeby's artistic journey began at the Experimental Art School in Copenhagen in 1962, where he engaged with experimental graphics, 8mm film and performance art. His early works, often executed on Masonite panels, evolved into large-scale abstract paintings characterised by layered brushwork and earthy palettes, reflecting his deep connection to natural landscapes. In the mid-1970s, he expanded into sculpture, creating monumental brick structures that blurred the lines between architecture and art. These works, such as those showcased in the 2023–2024 BRICKS exhibition at ARKEN Museum of Modern Art, highlight his exploration of form and materiality.

Kirkeby's contributions to art extended beyond his creations; he was also a respected educator, teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe and the Städelschule in Frankfurt from 1978 to 2000. His works have been exhibited globally, including at the Venice Biennale and Documenta, and are held in major collections such as Tate Modern, the Museum of Modern Art and the Centre Pompidou.

Despite a debilitating brain injury in 2013 that ended his painting career, Kirkeby continued to produce smaller works until his death in 2018. His legacy endures through his diverse body of work, which continues to inspire and influence contemporary art.