Jan Sivertsen

BIOGRAPHY

In 1977 Jan Sivertsen is accepted by The Royal Academy of Arts in Copenhagen, under the tutelage of Albert Mertz, Robert Jacobsen and Sven Dalsgaard. It is a thrilling time, where he is introduced to many new artistic ideas. He debuts at the Charlottenborg Spring show of 1979, where he once again participates at the Autumn show the same year.

In 1982, inspired by his teachers’ experiences abroad, he travels to Paris. Here he immerses himself in the French spirit, and develops a particular interest in the coloristic techniques of Eugene Delacroix, as well as the poetic universe and postmodern philosophy of Rilke. In Denmark the avant-garde movement with its roots in punk is quickly gaining momentum. The group show ”Kniven på Hovedet” (literal meaning: The Knife on the Head and) at Tranegården in Gentofte becomes a breakthrough in Danish art. From this moment, many of Jan Sivertsen’s friends from the academy become the main representatives of a new style named ”De Unge Vilde” (The Young Wild Ones).

Jan Sivertsen extends his stay in Paris, in order to continue his studies at L’École Supérieur des Arts Décoratifs, and becomes a private student of painter Jean Dewasne. Aside from a brief stay in Berlin (2007-2011), Sivertsen has been living and working in Paris ever since.

PAINTINGS

Jan Sivertsen’s imagery is based on combining abstract expressionism with certain figurative elements. With almost scientific precision, he processes and defines the work until a unique expression is achieved. Jan Sivertsen’s style is also characterised by his distinctive use of colour. His work often embodies dreamlike shadows of human figures, embedded in surface of the painting evoking spaciousness and depth. Jan Sivertsen’s expression is often considered characteristically Nordic in style, despite the fact that he has been living outside Denmark for a considerable number of years. Through this distance he has gained a larger perspective, which has contributed to a depth of colour and particular use of light.

EDUCATION

1975-77 understudy to Egon Bjerg Nielsen at Glyptoteket, Copenhagen

1977-82 Attends The Royal Academy of Art, Copenhagen.

Completes his studies at the school of sculpting under Professor Sven Dalsgaard, Albert Mertz and Robert Jacobsen.

1982-84 Attends L’Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Decoratifs, Paris.

Private studies with painter Jean Dewasne.

Mountain Rose (2015)
Oil on Canvas, 80x60 cm.