Page 86 - Famous

JOHN GESAGER NIELSEN

Lives and works in Larvik, Norway
w w w.gesager.com

John Gesager Nielsen is a modernist; not only in his artistic, sculptural expression but also in
his choice of material. Stainless steel and Plexiglas are truly modern materials and very much
a part of our present time. Through these materials, and often combining the two, he creates
his sculptures in a modern, and often abstract, style. The sculptor is thus a child of his age;
expressing, like so many artist before him, its spirit. A closer scrutiny does, however, reveal
traces of the figurative - and the obvious influence of traditions and myths.
John Gesager Nielsen was born in Silkeborg, Denmark, but as early as 1956 he moved to
Norway, where he has lived and worked ever since. Most of his inspiration is drawn from the
Norwegian landscapes; in particular the mountains and the powerful glaciers. Wanderings in
such dramatic surroundings have revealed to him the very abstractions of nature - sculptural
shapes created by the perpetual influence of the elements. A distinctive feature of the virginal
mountain landscape is the light - and in particular the shifting, volatile light. The weather, the
winds and changing seasons recreate the landscape - in a continual, eternal cycle. Gesager
Nielsen attempts to render this light in his sculptures. To the spectator, the piece of art changes
as the light is reflected in the glistening steel surface or shattered in the many facets of the
Plexiglas. The sculpture comes to life - it moves. Thus, the light becomes a vital “supplementary
material” in the art of John Gesager Nielsen; it adds an extra dimension to his sculptures. To
Nielsen, the creative process itself is the essence of his life as an artist. He does it all himself
- from the initial idea to the finished sculpture. And he shapes his art in close contact with his
favorite materials. Steel and Plexiglas are tough and demanding substances, but the resistance
is also what intrigues and challenges him. It takes enormous patience, and not least strength,
to make the material submit to his will and to Gesager Nielsen the process is as rewarding as
the goal - the finished sculpture. What also characterizes the sculptor is his incessant search
for original artistic expressions and ideas. And he certainly has the courage to try - as well as
fail. Sometimes a new direction turns out to be a blind alley, but when new, open landscapes
are unfolded, in the shape of genuine sculptural expressions, the artist has succeeded - and
for a wonderful, brief moment he may enjoy the satisfaction of artistic progression. That is,
until the next stone is turned and new processes are explored. No wonder, then, that Gesager
Nielsen’s artistic imagination and beautiful sculptures are being appreciated by an increasing
audience, both at home and in recent years also internationally. His art has been purchased by
the Norwegian Council for Cultural Affairs, and he has been awarded first prize in several art
competitions. His sculptures have also been presented at numerous juried exhibitions, both
home and abroad. John Gesager Nielsen could have retired and lived the life of a pensioner
by now. But for a true artist, the complacent life of a senior citizen is unthinkable. His creative
processes and his art is much too important and exciting - it is a true necessity
Inspired by Nature by Svend E. Hansen, art critic
BREAK THROUGH, 2001 PLEXIGLAS AND STEEL 45X40 IN. / 115 X100 CM. 
ICEBIRD, 1996 PLEXIGLAS 32X25 IN. / 80X65 CM. 
VOLARE, 1998 BRASS PLEXIGLAS 18X18 IN. / 45X45 CM. 
CONFIDENCE, 1999 STAINLESS STEEL 18X12 IN. / 45X30 CM. 
MISTERIUM AURORA BOREALIS, 1998 PLEXIGLAS AND STAINLESS STEEL 57X57 IN. /145X145 CM. 

86
FAMOUS
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS