March 26, 2010 11:00 amtoMay 19, 2010 6:00 pm

Alfred Jensen (1903-1981), a largely self-taught artist born in Guatemala and brought up in Denmark, was influenced by the study of a broad range of esoteric subjects, including the colour theories of Goethe, the writings of Leonardo da Vinci, Pythagorean geometry, Mayan and ancient Chinese calendars, the I Ching, and Greek religious rituals. His work came to maturity at the end of the 1950s with a unique fusion of metaphysics, sign systems, and the vigorous application of brightly coloured paint.

Although he moved comfortably in New York artistic circles (he was friendly with Mark Rothko, Sam Francis, and many other influential people in the art world), Jensen was always considered something of an outsider. His work was nonetheless much respected and exhibited widely during the 1960s and 1970s, and there was a major retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in 1985. More recently, an important exhibition of his work was held in 2001 at the Dia Art Foundation, also in New York.

It is difficult, although often possible, to establish the intended meaning and significance of Jensen’s paintings. In any case, while this can be rewarding, it is not crucial to the appreciation of his art. Jensen’s patently sincere commitment to the exploration of deep metaphysical questions, as well as his extraordinary use of pattern and paint, are hugely enjoyable in themselves.

The estate of Alfred Jensen is represented by PaceWildenstein, New York. The Douglas Hyde Gallery warmly thanks David Goerk and Regina Bogat Jensen for their help and support of this project.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a new publication.

Talk
At 5pm on the day of the opening, Regina Bogat Jensen will hold a conversation with Declan Long about the life and work of Alfred Jensen. All are welcome.

For further information on the artist, please visit: www.alfredjensen.com

www.douglashydegallery.com