Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Per Kirkeby Biography
Per Kirkeby, born on September 1, 1938, in Copenhagen, Denmark, was a multifaceted artist whose extensive career spanned over six decades, making him one of the most influential and versatile artists of his generation. Kirkeby's profound engagement with the natural world, combined with his academic background in geology, deeply informed his artistic practice, which encompassed painting, sculpture, filmmaking, writing, and printmaking.
Kirkeby's early life was marked by a keen interest in both the arts and the natural sciences. Growing up in Copenhagen, he was drawn to nature from a young age, often venturing into the outdoors to draw and sketch. Despite this early artistic inclination, Kirkeby initially pursued a more conventional path, enrolling at the University of Copenhagen in 1957 to study geology. His studies led him to participate in several research expeditions to Greenland between 1958 and 1960, experiences that would later play a crucial role in shaping his artistic vision. Kirkeby's meticulous field notes from these expeditions reveal his careful observation of the natural world, a practice that would translate into his layered and textured artworks.
In the spring of 1962, Kirkeby's artistic journey took a significant turn when he joined the Experimental Art School (Eks-Skolen) in Copenhagen. The school, known for its avant-garde approach and emphasis on experimental practices, became a fertile ground for Kirkeby's artistic development. Here, he engaged with a wide range of media, including experimental graphics, collage painting, and film, and became part of a vibrant community of artists exploring new artistic territories.
Kirkeby's work from the 1960s reflects the influence of pop art, with its incorporation of images from newspapers and magazines into abstract, landscape-inspired compositions. This period marked the beginning of Kirkeby's exploration of the interplay between nature and abstraction, a theme that would persist throughout his career. His paintings from this era, characterized by bold colors and dynamic forms, signaled the emergence of a distinctive artistic voice.
As Kirkeby's career progressed, his work became increasingly focused on the processes of sedimentation and erosion, concepts borrowed from his geological studies. His paintings, often large-scale and richly textured, evoke the stratification of the earth's surface, inviting viewers to contemplate the passage of time and the forces of nature. Kirkeby's sculptures, particularly his brick sculptures, further reflect his interest in natural and architectural forms. These works, which often resemble ruins or fragments of buildings, create spaces for contemplation and engagement with the surrounding environment.
Kirkeby's contributions to the arts extended beyond his visual artworks. He was a prolific writer, authoring more than 70 books of poetry, essays, and novels that offer insights into his artistic philosophy and reflections on the nature of art. His writings, like his visual works, reveal a deep engagement with the history of art and a continuous dialogue with past and contemporary artists.
Throughout his career, Kirkeby received numerous accolades and his works were exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide. He represented Denmark in the Venice Biennale and participated in Documenta, among other prestigious international exhibitions. His works are part of the collections of leading institutions, including the Tate, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Centre Pompidou.
Per Kirkeby passed away on May 9, 2018, in Copenhagen, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence the world of contemporary art. His unique synthesis of scientific knowledge and artistic creativity has established him as a pivotal figure in postwar European art, whose works invite us to see the natural world through a lens of wonder and inquiry.
Per Kirkeby Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: