Alcove

An exhibition by Jens Fänge at Perrotin, New York, on view January 12th - February 16th, 2019.

“Alcove, the exhibition title, refers to a small painting of a nested chamber with a vault, a bed, and a window. This recessed, intimate room replaces the eye of a large painted head, perhaps alluding to the intricate interior design of a place we call ego...." - Sabine Russ (editor at BOMB magazine)

For being Swedish Jens artworks are far from minimal, with details that highlight human figures and assemblages using a wide range of materials (think Robert Rauschenberg).

The exhibition draws a visitor in from the moment you step foot into the hallway, thanks to the careful detail of covering the walls with paints and fabric, creating a supportive environment the reaches much further than just the artworks in frames.

In short, if cubism, assemblage and the 70’s all had a baby..it would be this exhibit.

Apparently this is a departure from Fänge’s usual color palette of pastels and vibrant colors. I would never have guessed that - but if you need proof, check out this show at Eskilstuna Konstmuseum Eskilstuna (in Sweden).

Perrotin describes the artists work as

“A master of eclecticism, he precipitates – so it seems – an entire hierarchy of genres into his composite works, converging iconic portraits, still lifes, domestic interiors, cityscapes and landscapes with geometric abstractions, all of which he renders using a variety of mediums and materials such as oil paint, pencil, vinyl, cardboard and fabric on panel.” - Perrotin

He first starting exhibiting his art in New York in 1998 and quickly progressed to having shows at some of the (still) most famous galleries such as Greene Naftali and Jack Hanley Gallery. His works can also be seen in many, many impressive Swedish museums and institutions.

He’s represented by Perrotin Gallery and lives in Stockholm, Sweden.