While Per Kirkeby’s paintings defy categorization as either abstract or representational, nature continues as a central motif in the artist’s new work. Nature is conveyed through layers of paint and coloured surfaces that overlap to create a poetic rendition of the subject. Kirkeby describes the composition of his paintings as a ‘deposit’ -- a geological term. As such, the materiality and the subject of the paintings are intertwined, being composed of, and alluding to, surface and substrata conditions, structure and erosion. Kirkeby’s work operates within the grand Romantic tradition, marrying the poetic and metaphysical to the scientific investigation of object matter.

Born in 1938, Per Kirkeby studied natural history at the University of Copenhagen, 1957-1964. He also studied painting and performance at the Experimental School of Art, and became affiliated with the Fluxus movement. From these early years he explored a variety of art forms in addition to painting and performance, including sculpture, architecture, drawing, printmaking, film and literature. This depth and range of interests has continued to inspire Kirkeby throughout his long and distinguished career.

Considered the preeminent artist of Denmark, Per Kirkeby: Paintings 2004-2005 is a rare occasion to see the artist’s work in the United States.