GALLERI PROJEKT - AN INSTALLATION

A post about a past Exhibition, before the internet. Luckily I took some photos to document it.

See my RESUME for more context.

CONCERN was the title of this installation I did in 1995 at Galleri Projekt in Copenhagen, where I lived at the time. 

After participating in some group shows at the Gallery, I was given this opportunity by my late artist friend, Ann Susan, who was the owner.

The Gallery was a place for both established and emerging artists. 

As an artist herself, Ann Susan were primarily a proponent of installations and experimental art that would use the whole space optimally. She was never afraid of giving newcomers a chance.

My concept for this installation, was to create Artworks out of scraps; giving it a new lease of life by staging it and putting it into perspective, to make visitors think about consumption and waste.

Here a series of found scrap mounted on some brass boxes, giving it a new lease of life.

From a previous group exhibition, two big metal reliefs mounted on heavy wood frames, were created as symbolic crosses.

 

 A sculpture put together of found scraps, also symbolizing a cross.

The Gallery unfortunately closed a few years ago, due to both Ann Susan and her husband Claes's retirement and she passed away in 2023.

Comment if you have some memories or have had interaction or with the Gallery.

I also posted about this event on Instagram. Take a look HERE.

ARTISTS SECRETS

Today I will touch on something I have been frustrated about for a long time. Something that nobody rarely talks about in the art world. -But am I really the only one?

Like me, most artists are doing what they do, because they really can’t help it and need to express themselves in some way. 

But, the thing is, there is a lot of expenses involved in being an artist. The reality is, that art materials, like paper, paint, canvases, framing and so on to produce art, are very expensive these days.

It can be quite frustrating, because you have so many ideas and perhaps a vision you would like to pursue and share with the world. But, if you are not able to show or sell your art work, you can't really afford to go on. 

Then you start to question yourself, are you good enough? -Are your paintings any good? You get discouraged and it gets to a point where you are considering to stop producing artworks. 

 Le Sentier, a diptych in Oil and Cold wax by John Frantsen 2021

 

I wonder, could it be, there is something wrong with the way the Art world is working generally today?

I definitely think, something is missing in the education system.

Artists need to get a clear understanding of what it takes to make a living as an artist. 

It’s not enough to have talent or join an Art academy or -school, to just practice and get better. Artists need to learn how to manage their art career. They need to know about what the possibilities are. How important marketing and exposure is. How and where to exhibit and sell their work.

I have a few suggestions! The Art scene could be much more supportive in reaching out to upcoming artists, in addition to selling established artists. 

Both established artists, associations and Galleries could invite new artists and arrange group shows, exchanges, networking events as well as invite Art critics, Galleries and the right audience.

Online presence is another option. But, it is not enough to have a website. If you do not have SEO (Search Engine Optimization) included, it is almost impossible to be found among 10.000 of similar websites. 

But, if you have a lot of followers and can turn them into loyal clients via a Newsletter/E-mail list, you might have a chance of making a living out of it.

I also wonder why platforms like ArtMajeur, Art finder, Saatchi etc. doesn't do more to rotate the Artists, instead of just promoting known or already big sellers. Especially when you pay.

So, what to do?

Are you a fellow artist? How do you cope? -and do you have something to add or suggest? I would appreciate some feedback in the comments. Let's exchange!

COLLAGES FROM THE PAST

Thought I would make a separate post about these collages that I made many years ago, instead of displaying them under Original Art in the main Menu.

The Collages illustrates a certain mood and some reflections that I had at this point in time. In a way they are Timepieces. Maybe you can relate somehow. Let me know what you think, in the comments. 

All collages by John Frantsen 

WHY & WHAT TO PAINT? - SUBJECT MATTERS!

I often wonder what makes artist paint and why they choose the subjects they do.

There are so many ways of painting. - Fortunately! Especially with all what we see today on social media. But, it’s like anything goes these days.

Don’t get me wrong, artists should paint whatever they want. But a little self criticism and reflection would be nice.

 

Precious, acrylic on canvas by John Frantsen

Here are some suggestions to consider if you want to improve:

The composition or the subject really does matter. Consider it carefully. It can really make a difference.

Stand back and evaluate your painting, motive, composition, colours, light and shadows. Ask yourself, does it work? -Where and what to improve? Before posting it, let it sit for a while and see if it is as good as you thought initially.

Asking your network or peers for constructive feedback might also give you a new or different perspective.

There will always be various reasons for what and why artists paint. Some artists are very aware or conscious about what and why they paint.

For many, it is a way of life and they couldn’t live without painting.

Others are just painting because they can, without knowing why. Often, it’s just their recreative outlet or a way for them to express themselves and relax.

For others it’s more personal or therapeutic.

From my point of view, it often seems that figurative artists are more technical oriented. Some are perfectionists, considering and planning the painting into the smallest details, trying to recreate exactly what they see.

Others are more expressive, conveying an impression, an atmosphere or a feeling.

Many abstract artists, like myself for example, likes to paint intuitively. I have chosen to trust my instincts and let the emotions and feelings lead the way.

Other abstract artists have a more conceptual approach and like to research, plan and construct their work very meticulously.

Some artists are more politically inspired. They have a point of view, that they want to convey with their chosen subject/motive. All very valid ways of painting.

But, in my opinion, it is not enough just to be a technical good painter. It is, what you want with your paintings that matters and if people can see and relate to that.

That is why the idea behind this or that particular composition or motive is important. You don’t have to explain it literally. But it needs to shine through or show somehow.

The same goes for abstract artists. Trying out new things and experimenting is useful and fine.

But it is not enough just to pour or smear paint on a surface. Everybody can do that. That’s just a technic. -Unless it is intentional and there is a concept behind it.

To sum up! First and foremost, artists need to consider why and what they want to convey with their paintings. To contemplate and have some kind of idea or vision of where they want to go and what they want to convey.

I know it’s not always easy. But, if you consider this, I think you will improve and get better. Painting takes a lot of time, practice and consistency. It is in many ways a lifelong journey.

Just some thoughts. Thanks for reading this far. Read more about my personal approach in the menu or follow the links. Do let me know what you think about all this in the comments.

CORPUS I & II

First of all - Happy New Year.

This is my first entry for this year. -And hopefully a new beginning here on this blog.

I welcome new readers and hope you’ll connect and continue to follow along.

I will start with a revision of my artistic journey so far.

During my formal years I did a lot of croquis drawing, which I really loved, some still-life and classical training, like drawings of different sculptures, which all in all was a great foundation.

When I started to paint again years later, I was more drawn to abstract, because I just had this urge to let go and express myself again.

-And for a long time now, I have been obsessed with abstract painting, because it has the ability to transform, if you give it a chance and take your time to wonder and reflect. It leaves plenty of room for different levels of interpretations.

But for some time now, I have had the intention to try to make something realistic once again. One style of painting should not exclude another one, I think.

Subjects matter too! -I wanted to combine and stage different subjects, that I am attracted to. I chose to follow my instincts and focus on parts of the male torso combined with exotic flowers.

I just didn't want to paint a portrait or a landscape. To challenge myself, I wanted to do it in oils, which I am not used to work with like that. It took a lot of preparations and patience.

These two paintings are the result. They are quite big, 120 x 150 cm each.  I really enjoyed the process and I will probably do more like this in the future.

After this, I am going back to abstract again. But I already have new ideas for other realistic paintings on my mind.

If you like what you see here on my blog, I invite you to follow along. You will get inside news once in a while about what is going on in my studio and you will be the first to read about new paintings, special events and visits.

I’m excited to see where my Art journey will bring me next.

If you have any questions or are looking for original  piece of abstract art, feel free to contact me. I am also open for studio visits; just notify me in advance. Thank you for your interest!