Oil on canvas
100 x 90 cm (39,37 x 35,43 in)
(MKV23050)

Danish artist Michael Kvium has persistently portrayed the follies of humanity for over four decades across various
mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, film, and performance. His artistic exploration delves deep into all
facets of life, particularly those aspects humanity tends to suppress. While the concealed reality remains
acknowledged, Kvium’s distinct portrayals have left a profound mark in art history and in the minds of viewers.
Upon examining his works, viewers may immerse themselves in scenes reminiscent of a carefully orchestrated
play, captivated by transformative interpretations. The depicted figures emerge against a monochrome
background, evoking the meticulous staging of performers, complemented by props — each laden with profound
symbolism but left to the viewer’s discernment.
Within his artworks, Kvium consistently sparks associative thinking, prompting recognition of familiar situations
within oneself or in others. His creations possess the ability to evoke memories and encourage viewers to
contemplate their own existence and potential within the world. The works paradoxically elicit feelings of both
enthusiasm and disgust, with their expression seamlessly navigating between abstraction and realism, potentially
leaving an indelible mark in one’s consciousness.
Kvium’s narrative paintings, resonant with a theatrical performance, unfold on a stage from the rise of the theater
curtain to its fall, mirroring the trajectory of life from birth to death. This theatrical quality is deeply rooted in his early
engagement with performance art in the 1980s, seamlessly connecting his visual works to the realm of
performance. As Kvium poses critical questions about the rise and fall of Western civilization, the theatricality in
his oeuvre mirrors the course of life, inviting viewers to engage in profound introspection.
Throughout his artistic journey, a persistently powerful expression has been the driving force behind Kvium’s work,
continuously serving as an evocative invitation to reflect on the profound questions of existence.