Martin Paaskesen: From Stage to Canvas—A Fresh Face in the Danish Contemporary Art Scene

Explore Martin Paaskesen’s shift from acting to contemporary painting, showcasing his dynamic style and emotional depth in his statement 'Conflicts'.

Martin Paaskesen: From Stage to Canvas—A Fresh Face in the Danish Contemporary Art Scene
Martin Paaskesen creating in his studio – discover his journey from stage to canvas on Munchies Art Club Magazine

Martin Paaskesen: Unveiling His Latest Works and Artistic Inspirations and paintings as a conflict

Martin Paaskesen's journey from the stage to the easel encapsulates a fascinating transition from acting to painting, marking him as a standout figure in contemporary Danish art.

Martin Paaskesen's art transcends borders, finding homes in prestigious galleries across Europe and the United States.

new emerging art and fresh faces in contemporary art scene denmark now on view at munchies art club
Join us on a journey with Martin Paaskesen, a rising star in the Danish contemporary art scene. Discover his unique insights and artistic vision, featured now on Munchies Art Club.

In Denmark, the Annika Nuttall Gallery in Aarhus proudly displays his work, while Luxembourg's Valerius Gallery introduces him to a cosmopolitan audience.

Discovering Martin Paaskesen's evolution from painting exclusively sharks to expanding his creative universe has been truly inspiring. We are thrilled to showcase his dynamic and emotive works at Munchies Art Club - Team Munchies Art Club

Spain embraces Paaskesen twice over, with Galeria Fran Reus in Palma and Gärna Art Gallery in Madrid showcasing his talents. Across the Atlantic, Mott Projects in Catskill, New York, presents his vision to American art lovers.

Mott Projects: Contemporary Art Project Space. Features exhibitions and interviews with contemporary artists.

Martin Paaskesen at Mott Projects

This diverse representation highlights Paaskesen's universal appeal and his ability to connect with varied cultural landscapes, solidifying his status as a truly international artist of our time.

martin paaskesen, artist,  working on a new artwork in his studio, promising emerging art from denmark now on view, munchies art club magazine
Martin Paaskesen, a contemporary Danish artist, in his studio, crouched in front of a large abstract artwork. His style often involves deep, textured canvases that invite viewers to explore emotional and psychological depths. The artwork behind him features a dark, mosaic-like pattern with an intriguing small sketch of glasses in the corner, hinting at his theatrical background. The image encapsulates the essence of Paaskesen’s journey from the stage to the canvas, showcasing his unique artistic expression | Image Courtesy by the Artist

Munchies Art Club is thrilled to spotlight this exceptional artist, whose narrative and expressionistic style captures both the chaos and beauty of human experience.

We want to highlight as well that Martin Paaskesen is participating with new works on this years Enter Art Fair 2024 with Annika Nuttall Gallery , so save the date!

Born in 1987, Martin Paaskesen initially pursued an acting career before discovering his passion for painting at the Danish National School of Performing Arts.

abstract blue and beige artwork by martin paaskesen featuring a spiral pattern, highlighting his textured mosaic style
Martin Paaskesen's latest work is a captivating exploration of texture and form. The piece, dominated by a vibrant blue spiral, evokes a sense of depth and motion, drawing the viewer into its dynamic core. The central beige nucleus contrasts starkly with the surrounding blue, symbolizing a calm center amidst chaos. Paaskesen's meticulous layering of small, painted squares creates a mosaic effect, reflecting his theatrical background's influence on his artistic style. This work exemplifies his ability to blend structure with spontaneity, offering a profound visual and emotional experience.

His early training in performance profoundly influences his approach to art, making his process intensely physical and dynamic. Paaskesen's art is not merely seen; it is felt, embodying a raw, tactile energy that resonates with viewers.

"Conflicts" written by Martin Paaskesen

I am driven by a desire to create paintings that transcend the limitations of rational thought and allow my expression to flow freely and uninhibited.

Without logical constraints, my work emerges from a place of pure instinct, drawing upon the ’gut feeling’ (or groundstone) that are a rare and precious part of our human experience. 

Each of my paintings is born from this intuitive process, resulting in works that share a common substance: conflict.

Conflict in all its forms - armed conflicts, societal clashes, and the inner turmoil within individuals, particularly within myself.

Through this exploration, I strive to capture the essence of these battles and reflect the ubiquitous presence of conflict in our world. 

Martin Paaskesen in his studio contemplating about conflicts in contemporary painting and there meaning
What drives Martin Paaskesen's creative process? In his statement "Conflicts," he reveals his desire to create paintings that transcend rationality, allowing expression to flow freely and uninhibited. His works emerge from a place of pure instinct, capturing the ubiquitous presence of conflict in all its forms. Through this exploration, Paaskesen aims to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and inspire a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our lives.

Technically, my work is only limited by my current abilities, but spiritually, it knows no bounds.

This paradox drives me to constantly embrace the boundless nature of my creative spirit.

The conflicts depicted in my paintings serve both as a personal catharsis and a universal commentary, offering viewers a mirror to their own experiences of discord and resolution. 

I refer to my paintings as "conflicts" to underscore the pervasive nature of these struggles in our modern world.

By confronting these conflicts directly through my art, I hope to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and inspire a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our lives. 

Ultimately, my work is a testament to the power of art to transcend rationality and touch the raw, unfiltered essence of the human condition.

martin paaskesens, new contemporary painting now, 2024
Martin Paaskesen: Artist Studio and a work in progress 2024

It is an ongoing dialogue between the seen and the unseen, the external and the internal, capturing the eternal dance of conflict that defines our existence.

A Style Defined by Intuitive Expression 

Paaskesen's works are a masterful blend of figuration and abstraction.

His canvases are arenas of emotional depth, where abstract elements like shapes and lines interact with figurative components in a dance of deliberate ambiguity.

This balance creates a visual language that speaks to the imperfections and chaos of life, themes that are recurrent in his portfolio.

grey textured artwork by martin paaskesen with yellow bird illustrations, blending minimalism and narrative
In this recent work, Martin Paaskesen delves into a juxtaposition of minimalism and narrative. The textured grey background, constructed from overlapping canvas pieces, sets a stark stage for the two bright yellow bird illustrations. The subtle arch motif suggests themes of passage or transition, inviting viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between the organic and the constructed. Paaskesen's use of simple, vivid imagery against a complex background showcases his ability to blend narrative simplicity with artistic depth, further solidifying his place in contemporary Danish art
beige and red abstract artwork by martin paaskesen with central white line drawing, highlighting texture and contrast
Martin Paaskesen's recent work presents a striking interplay of raw textures and bold color contrasts. The canvas, predominantly a natural beige, is framed by intense red borders that heighten the visual impact. Central to the composition is a delicate, white line drawing, reminiscent of organic forms, which adds a layer of intimacy and vulnerability. Paaskesen's meticulous assembly of canvas pieces into a cohesive whole showcases his deftness in blending structured technique with emotional expressiveness. This piece exemplifies his ability to evoke profound narratives through minimalistic yet powerful visual language

Influenced by a lineage of artistic giants—from Jean-Michel Basquiat to Cy Twombly—Paaskesen's work also draws heavily on his personal experiences and the scenic imperfections of the natural world.

His thematic exploration of destabilization and incoherence is a signature that makes each piece uniquely poignant and relatable.

martin paaskesen's artwork with a shark motif on a pink and beige mosaic background, highlighting his acclaimed style
In this compelling work, Martin Paaskesen employs his characteristic patchwork canvas technique to create a piece that is both visually arresting and thematically rich. The shark motif, a recurring element in Paaskesen's oeuvre that has brought him widespread acclaim on Instagram, serves as a focal point amidst a backdrop of pink and beige hues. The stark contrast between the shark’s menacing presence and the subdued palette underscores the tension between chaos and calm. The white line traversing the canvas adds an element of direction and purpose, enhancing the narrative complexity of the piece | Image Courtesy by the Artist
Martin Paaskesen: Installation View | Image Courtesy by the Artist

Martin Paaskesen has made significant marks on the art scene with solo exhibitions such as "Under the Dome We Roam" and "Shotclock" and participations in major art fairs like Untitled Artfair Miami, KIAF South Korea, Rotterdam Art Week and Luxembourg Art Week. 

FLOWER GARDEN - Annika Nuttall Gallery
EXHIBITION Flower Garden Martin Paaskesen Martin Paaskesen 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. In his practice Martin is exploring […]

Flower Garden Exhibition - Annika Nuttal Gallery Aarhus

In 2023, he further captivated the art community with two solo shows: "Flower Garden" at Annika Nuttal Gallery in Aarhus, Denmark, and "Tissue" at Valerius Gallery in Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

His growing presence in the European art circuit is a testament to his evolving narrative and the compelling nature of his work.

A Promising Future:



As Martin Paaskesen continues to build his repertoire, his works increasingly gather interest from collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

With each brushstroke, he not only paints a canvas but weaves a story, inviting onlookers into a world where art meets life.

Martin Paaskesen - Biography, Shows, Articles & More | Artsy
Explore Martin Paaskesen’s biography, achievements, artworks, auction results, and shows on Artsy.

Martin Paaskesen on Artsy

Munchies Art Club celebrates the profound impact and promising future of this vibrant artist in the realm of contemporary art.

Martin Paaskesen

Martin Paaskesen official Website

Follow Martin Paaskesen on Instagram and dive deeper into his works, upcoming and current projects.

abstract artwork by martin paaskesen featuring a purple figure on a textured white background, with dripping paint effects
This piece by Martin Paaskesen is a standout example of his ability to blend raw emotion with meticulous technique. The composition features a bold, purple abstract figure on a textured white background, created from layered canvas pieces. The dripping paint effect adds a dynamic and almost visceral quality, evoking a sense of movement and intensity. This artwork captures the essence of Paaskesen’s exploration of human expression and emotional depth, solidifying his place in the global contemporary art scene and making it a favorite of the Munchies Art Club team

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