Marianne Thygesen

Denmark-born artist Marianne Thygesen’s vibrant paintings are partly informed by her training as an architect. Playful and rich in storytelling, her works are inspired by myriad sources including medieval art, Mayan culture and Islamic symbolism, as well as the natural and man-made world that the artist observes around her.

Marianne’s characteristic use of robust, ‘raw’ corrugated cardboard makes her ‘feel at home; I feel free to work intuitively’. Her constructions - which range in scale from small to larger-than-life- often break free of the traditional rectangular picture format, resembling an eccentrically-shaped map or ancient crest. Organic forms, fantastical creatures and areas of abstraction are layered together, often sprouting from the edges as if trying to break free. Many of her works feature labyrinthine pathways which lead the viewers’ eye around the surface. These networks infuse each work with an energy which reflects - in the artist’s words - ‘possiblities one must dare to pursue’.

Marianne graduated from the Danish Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 1982. Since first exhibiting her work in Copenhagen in 1986 she has exhibited extensively in Denmark in group and solo exhibitions. Large-scale works by the artist have been commissioned for notable locations including the Royal Danish Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Dansk Bibliotekscenter, Copenhagen and Charlottehaven, Copenhagen. Her work is held in numerous private collections. Marianne splits her time between Paris, France and Copenhagen, Denmark.

We are looking forward to exhibiting Marianne’s work for the first time in the UK in our forthcoming group exhibition Almost Blue which opens on 6th June 2024. Please register your interest.