Du finnes

Galleri Brandstrup proudly presents the exhibition “Du finnes” by Sverre Bjertnæs. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue text written by poet Sumaya Jirde Ali. It will open Thursday 25 November at 6 pm, and will be on display until 18 December, 2021.  

“Du finnes”, which translates to “You Exist” consists of works, of oil paintings on canvas, sculptures in bronze, wood and gypsum, and a series of smaller gouache on paper works titled “Du finnes”.

The series titled “Du finnes” revisits the theme of Bjertnæs’ exhibition "Hvilende hode" (Restng Head) at Galleri Brandstrup in 2019, referring to a recurring subject throughout the series, but also the artists approach to the process of painting.The resting heads appears in different shapes and colours throughout the exhibition, some are more obvious, some are morphed into landscapes while others disappear into an abstract play of patterns. It studies the idea of rejecting a pre-produced narrative in the starting of a painting process, and instead embracing the act of painting as an intuitive process. Not declining the narrative all together, but letting it accumulate as one color after another are applied to the surface. Intending to be more present in the act of painting itself, Bjertnæs has created an exhibition which follows his ever-exploring artistry.

 In 2014 Bjertnæs showed a much-celebrated solo exhibition at Stenersen Museet (currently a part of the Munch Museum), followed by his first solo exhibition at Galleri Brandstrup “Nå. Ingenting. To” in 2015 and “Det kollektive mennesket/ Minner om oss” in 2016 and “Hvilende Hode” in 2019. In 2019 Bjertnæs showed a comprehensive retrospective show at the Haugar Kunst Museum and in 2021 the solo exhibition “Avstand” at Kunsthall Trondheim.