Per Kirkeby was one of Denmark’s most internationally acclaimed artists, born in Copenhagen in 1938. Originally trained as an arctic geologist, Kirkeby’s deep connection to nature and landscape profoundly shaped his artistic vision. He studied at the Experimental Art School (Den Eksperimenterende Kunstskole) in Copenhagen and later became a leading figure in the international art scene, working across painting, sculpture, printmaking, film, poetry and set design.
"Horse Head", clubbed for 35 591 GBP at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
Painting, Sculpture and the Legacy of Nature
Kirkeby is best known for his large-scale, expressive paintings and monumental brick sculptures. Influenced by neo-expressionism and his background in geology, his paintings often feature lush layers of colour, organic forms and a distinct interplay between abstraction and figuration.
His brick sculptures, typically placed in public spaces, reference both traditional Danish architecture and ancient temple forms. These are not minimalist monuments but poetic structures that invite reflection and movement. His formal training as a geologist allowed him to approach matter, structure and time in a way that was both conceptual and physical.
Beyond painting and sculpture, Kirkeby also created experimental films in the 1970s and 80s, working alongside filmmakers such as Lars von Trier. His writing, encompassing poetry and essays, further demonstrates the breadth of his vision – a continuous dialogue between art, science and the human condition.
Composition, colour etching.
Influence and Recognition
Per Kirkeby’s influence extends far beyond Denmark. He was a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe and the Städelschule in Frankfurt, shaping generations of artists. His work has been exhibited at major institutions such as the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and Tate Modern, and he was represented at the Venice Biennale and Documenta.
His works are held in major collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. He was honored with numerous awards, including the Art Prize of NORD/LB and the Herbert Boeckl Prize, and was a member of the Danish Academy. Kirkeby’s legacy lies in his ability to bridge disciplines, challenge artistic boundaries, and create works that resonate with both immediacy and depth.