Early Life and Education
Asger Jorn was born on March 3, 1914, in Vejrum, Denmark. He was the second of six children in a middle-class family. From a young age, Jorn showed a keen interest in art and creativity. He attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, where he studied painting and sculpture.
Artistic Influences
During his time at the Academy, Jorn was influenced by a variety of artistic movements, including Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. He was particularly drawn to the work of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Willem de Kooning. These influences would shape Jorn’s own unique style and approach to art.
Formation of CoBrA
In 1948, Asger Jorn co-founded the CoBrA group, a collective of artists from Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The group aimed to break away from traditional artistic conventions and explore new forms of expression. Jorn’s work with CoBrA marked a significant shift in his artistic career, as he began to experiment with bold colors, abstract shapes, and unconventional materials.
International Recognition
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Asger Jorn gained international recognition for his innovative sculptures and paintings. His work was exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and the Tate Modern in London. Jorn’s sculptures were praised for their dynamic forms and expressive use of texture.
Personal Life
Asger Jorn was married twice during his lifetime. His first wife was Matie van Domselaer, with whom he had two children, Susanne and Troels. After their divorce, Jorn married Kirsten Lingborg and had a son named Ole. Jorn’s personal life was often tumultuous, with his relationships reflecting the complexities of his artistic vision.
Legacy
Asger Jorn’s impact on the art world continues to be felt today. His sculptures are celebrated for their boldness and creativity, while his paintings are admired for their emotional depth and complexity. Jorn’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventions has inspired countless artists to think outside the box and explore new possibilities in their own work.
Death and Burial
Asger Jorn passed away on May 1, 1973, in Aarhus, Denmark. He was laid to rest at Grötlingbo Church in Sweden, where he had spent many summers working on his art. Jorn’s grave is a place of pilgrimage for art enthusiasts from around the world who come to pay their respects to this visionary sculptor.
Artistic Style
Jorn’s artistic style is characterized by its raw energy and spontaneity. He believed in the power of intuition and improvisation, often allowing his materials to guide him as he created his sculptures. Jorn’s work is known for its vibrant colors, dynamic shapes, and sense of movement.
Influence on Contemporary Art
Asger Jorn’s influence on contemporary art cannot be overstated. His willingness to experiment with different materials and techniques paved the way for future generations of artists to explore new avenues of expression. Jorn’s emphasis on freedom and spontaneity continues to resonate with artists who seek to break away from traditional norms and push the boundaries of their craft.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Asger Jorn collaborated with a number of other artists, writers, and musicians. He worked closely with fellow CoBrA members such as Karel Appel and Constant Nieuwenhuys on various projects. Jorn also collaborated with writers such as Guy Debord and musicians like Pierre Boulez, bringing together different artistic disciplines in innovative ways.
Reception
Jorn’s work has been met with both praise and criticism over the years. While some have lauded his boldness and originality, others have found his work too chaotic or unstructured. Despite these differing opinions, there is no denying the impact that Asger Jorn has had on the art world as a whole.
Publications
In addition to his work as a sculptor, Asger Jorn was also a prolific writer. He published several books on art theory and philosophy, including “The Natural Order” and “Open Creation.” These texts offer valuable insights into Jorn’s creative process and approach to art making.
Art Market
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Asger Jorn’s work among collectors and art enthusiasts. His sculptures have fetched high prices at auction houses around the world, with some pieces selling for millions of dollars. This resurgence in interest is a testament to the enduring appeal of Jorn’s bold and innovative creations.
Exhibitions
Asger Jorn’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions over the years, both during his lifetime and posthumously. Major retrospectives of his sculptures have been held at institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. These exhibitions serve as a testament to Jorn’s lasting impact on the art world.
