Asger Jorn Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

Asger
Jorn

Asger Jorn, a trailblazer of Abstract Expressionism, infused his works with spontaneity and rebellion, capturing the dynamic spirit of post-war Europe. If you’re looking for original Asger Jorn prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

Biography

Asger Jorn was born in 1914 in Denmark. His journey began in the 1930s, when he studied under renowned artist Fernand Léger in Paris. This exposure to avant-garde art deeply influenced Jorn’s approach to painting, leading him to explore abstract and surrealist themes. In 1948, Jorn co-founded the CoBrA movement with other European artists, aiming to create art that broke free from the rigid formalism of the time.

Jorn’s art is characterised by its dynamic forms, vibrant colours, and expressive brushwork. He experimented with various media, including painting, ceramics, and printmaking. His works often explored themes of mythology, folklore, and social critique, reflecting his interest in both history and contemporary society. Jorn’s ability to infuse his work with a sense of spontaneity and freedom made him a leading figure in European abstract art.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Jorn's career burgeoned, marked by significant contributions to the field of art and theory. He was instrumental in forming the Situationist International, an organisation of social revolutionaries who sought to critique contemporary consumer culture and the passivity it engendered in individuals. Jorn's contribution to the Situationist movement was captured in his concept of détournement, advocating for the subversion of existing artistic elements to create new, revolutionary work.

Jorn's repertoire is a testament to his experimental spirit. His works often featured a dynamic interplay of figures and abstract motifs, teeming with energy and an undercurrent of humour. The painting Stalingrad, No Man's Land Or The Mad Laughter Of Courage remains an iconic example, showcasing Jorn's penchant for chaotic, emotive brushwork and vivid palettes.

Jorn was a founding member of the avant-garde movement CoBrA, an acronym derived from Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam, where its primary members were based. Established in 1948, the movement was pivotal in post-war European art, promoting a radical, spontaneous approach to painting. Jorn’s involvement in COBRA emphasised his commitment to artistic freedom and his resistance to conventional aesthetics, fundamentally shaping his experimental style.
Beyond his visual artistry, Jorn made significant contributions to art theory and philosophy. His essay The Natural Order and other writings explore the relationship between art and human psychology. Jorn’s theoretical work argued for the importance of play, which he believed was essential to creativity. His ideas were instrumental in developing the concept of play in the dialectics of culture, which later influenced various forms of critical theory and practice within contemporary art.