Circle in a spiral, 2007

Jan Siversten  

In 1977 Jan Sivertsen is accepted by The Royal Academy of Arts in Copenhagen, under the tutelage of Albert Mertz, Robert Jacobsen and Sven Dalsgaard. It is a thrilling time, where he is introduced to many new artistic ideas. He debuts at the Charlottenborg Spring show of 1979, where he once again participates at the Autumn show the same year.

In 1982, inspired by his teachers' experiences abroad, he travels to Paris. Here he immerses himself in the French spirit, and develops a particular interest in the coloristic techniques of Eugene Delacroix, as well as the poetic universe and postmodern philosophy of Rilke. In Denmark the avant-garde movement with its roots in punk is quickly gaining momentum. The group show "Kniven på Hovedet" (literal meaning: The Knife on the Head and) at Tranegården in Gentofte becomes a breakthrough in Danish art. From this moment, many of Jan Sivertsen's friends from the academy become the main representatives of a new style named "De Unge Vilde" (The Young Wild Ones).

Jan Sivertsen extends his stay in Paris, in order to continue his studies at L'École Supérieur des Arts Décoratifs, and becomes a private student of painter Jean Dewasne. Aside from a brief stay in Berlin (2007-2011), Sivertsen has been living and working in Paris ever since.