Biography & Statement

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Martin Paaskesen (*1987) is the son of a nurse and an engineer. Moved to Copenhagen in 2009 to become an actor, was admitted to a highly recognized acting school (The Danish National School of Performing Arts) , but discovered painting during his education and it took over. Today Martin is working with several galleries.

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In his practice Martin is exploring the expressionistic and narrative painting. His approach is very intuitive and impulsive and originates from an urge to explore an imagery that balances between figuration and abstraction. The figuration is always present in his works but the abstraction (shapes, lines, surfaces) is just as important. Everything is connected and overlaps. Martin's process is very physical and tactile. He is present in the painting litteraly. This presence might have originigated due to his background as an actor where he used his body as a tool of expression. 

Thematically, the artist works with the chaotic, destabilizing and incoherent, though in a clearly intentional ambiguity. He finds great inspiration in the imperfect - which often results in random occurrences that are very importantto embrace. At the same time, many of his paintings are painted directly on the raw, ungrounded canvas and if "mistakes" are made this cannot be changed again. It is a kind of subconscious dogma that he aspirse to and forces him to consideration.

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