Henry Heerup

Personal Details:

Henry Heerup was a Danish painter, sculptor, and graphic artist who was known for his expressive and imaginative style of painting. He was born in Copenhagen in 1907 and became one of Denmark's most famous painters. His work was often referred to as Surrealism, but Heerup himself rejected this label, preferring instead to describe it as 'Primitivism'. Heerup's paintings often featured bright and vibrant colors, abstract shapes, and vivid dream-like scenes.

Heerup was largely self-taught and was strongly influenced by his love of Danish nature and folklore. He was also influenced by the works of other famous Danish painters, such as Vilhelm Hammershøi, Elna Mygdal, and Asger Jorn. Heerup's own style was heavily influenced by the primitive art of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which he admired for its simplicity and color. He also incorporated elements of folk art and symbolism into his works.

Heerup was an extremely prolific artist and produced a large number of paintings and sculptures throughout his career. He was particularly known for his paintings of animals, particularly birds, which he often painted in vibrant colors and with surrealistic elements. Heerup also created a series of large-scale murals, which were often found in public spaces throughout Denmark. These works often featured motifs such as birds, trees, and animals, and were often accompanied by abstract images and shapes.

Heerup was a member of several Danish art associations, including Den Frie (The Free), a group of Danish avant-garde artists. He was also a founding member of De Tretten (The Thirteen), a group of Danish artists whose work was heavily influenced by modernism.

Heerup was a highly respected artist in his lifetime and his work was widely exhibited throughout Denmark. He also had several solo exhibitions in Europe and the United States. Heerup's work has been included in many important collections, including the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Henry Heerup was an incredibly influential artist who had a profound impact on modern Danish painting. His work is often described as a combination of Primitivism, Surrealism, and Expressionism, and his vivid and imaginative paintings have captivated viewers for generations. Heerup's work continues to be admired for its vivid colors, abstract shapes, and dream-like scenes, and his influence on modern Danish painting remains strong to this day.