Artist statement
To you, who are searching for art that is both progressive and gives you a sense of connection, I create raw, weathered paintings and sculptural objects: works that add an extra dimension to your space.
I deeply appreciate the way natural processes create their own kind of artistry.
Ideally, I would leave my paintings outside on the beach for a number of years, working on and off, while seeing them slowly transform in the aggressive coastal climate, deteriorated by time, salt air, and the elements.
You could argue that there's something almost Zen-like about that concept; letting go of the immediate artistic ego and allowing nature to be the co-creator over decades.
Each piece serves as a gentle memento mori, reminding us that our existence is fleeting: we are, like all things, simply matter in motion, subject to the inexorable march of time.
The practical solution—obviously, since both time and money are issues—is accelerating these natural processes through chemical agents, in a compromise between ideal and reality.
The unexpected effects I get from experimenting with different forms of wear and tear mimic nature's way of still asserting its unpredictability, even in my accelerated timeframe.
An approach that positions me as much alchemist as artist.
Steps during the process of creating my weathered canvasses. Photos by Brian Engblad, oddhunt.com.
What I aim for is not just creating an image, but initiating a process of transformation. The built-in randomness in my processes adds authenticity to the work, since, after all, natural weathering and oxidation are never entirely predictable either.
In this context each piece serves as a gentle memento mori, reminding us that our existence is fleeting: we are, like all things, simply matter in motion, subject to the inexorable march of time.
The value of my art thus lies in its unvarnished truth and authenticity. It speaks to something primal and elemental in the human experience, resonating with the raw essence of life itself. And exactly this fundamental connection is what makes my work not just visually compelling, but worthwhile.
Seeing how the west coast climate breaks down materials is something I find hugely inspiring.
Enough theory for now. If you're still reading along, I assume you find my approach to things refreshing and want to keep up with what I do and post in the future.
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Also, you are always welcome in my studio, at Æ Tysk'Havn in Hvide Sande.
Christian Estrup