The Queen Sonja Print Award presents Olav Christopher Jenssen: Liv ved Straumen
01.02.2024 - 07.03.2024
“Liv ved Straumen” (Life by the Stream) is a collection of graphic works produced at Atelje Larsen in Helsingborg in 2014 in support of the Queen Sonja Print Award. Through a continuous exploration of the interplay between abstraction and representation, Olav Christopher Jenssen draws inspiration from the last published poetry collection by author Tarjei Vesaas, "Liv ved straumen" from 1970. Within the book is a specific poem with the same title, forming the basis for the artworks showcased in the exhibition. Through monotypes and a portfolio of etchings, Jenssen has visually interpreted the words, and today "Liv ved Straumen" stands as a posthumous dialogue between Jenssen and the late Tarjei Vesaas.
In his thought-provoking interpretation of Tarjei Vesaas's poem, Olav Christopher Jenssen captures the essence of nature's power, particularly the dynamic energy of the river stream, through his abstract artistic perspective. Jenssen's unique visual language transforms written words into a vibrant visual narrative. The interplay of colors and forms in his compositions mirrors the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of the stream, reflecting the nuances and complexities found in Vesaas's poetic verses. The artist's use of abstraction serves as a visual metaphor, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the sensory experience of the river stream's presence in the natural landscape.
In 2014, the series was exhibited for the first time in Galleri Dronning Joséphine at Oscarshall. This constitutes the core of this exhibition, and we are excited to display a selection of works from the series here in Bispevika. In connection with the exhibition in 2014, Jenssen donated an exclusive print portfolio, a fitting tribute to the collaborative spirit of the arts. The portfolio will be on display during the exhibition period.
Olav Christopher Jenssen, born in Norway in 1954, is a renowned contemporary artist known for his profound contributions to the visual art world. With a career spanning several decades, Jenssen has established himself as a masterful painter and printmaker. Throughout his career, he has exhibited internationally, earning acclaim for his innovative approach and commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. As a recipient of numerous awards and honors, Jenssen's life and work stand as a testament to his enduring influence on the contemporary art scene.
A portfolio of ten prints and one monotype, executed by the artist at the workshop of Atelje Larsen in Helsinborg, Sweden in the spring of 2014 with assistance of master printer Ole Larsen. The total edition comprises 15 portifolios made especially for the Queen Sonja Print Award. The portfolios are numbered from No. 1 to No. 15.
Each portfolio is unique, and the presented prints on the website and on display in the exhibition are an example from portfolio No. 10
NOK: 80.000,-
+ 5% tax to the Relief Fund of Visual Artists
Photo: Øystein Thorvaldsen
Photo: Øystein Thorvaldsen
Photo: Øystein Thorvaldsen
Photo: Øystein Thorvaldsen