OLE AAKJAER | Opening Reception | Thursday, 29 Nov | 7pm-9pm | Chase Contemporary (521 West 23rd Street | NYC)

Untold Stories | 68" x 50" Watercolor and Ink on Paper

Chase Contemporary is pleased to invite you to celebrate the exhibition Ole Aakjaer "Untold Stories" which will take place on Thursday, 29 November 2018 from 6pm-8pm at Chase Contemporary located at 521 West 23rd Street in New York City. RSVP[email protected]

Ole Aakjær (born 1962) has gained recognition as the one of the leading artist from Denmark. His artwork - done in watercolor and ink in large scale formats shows his unique signature figurative style creating portraits of men and women with multilayered symbolism revealing inspiration from by music, literature, films and photographs. The natural imperfections the artistic process leaves behind in the highly structured compositions form a colorful highly imaginative narrative. Aakjær´s imagery shifts in time and space, and requiring close attention to the details. Ole Aakjær has had 40 acclaimed and sold exhibitions throughout Denmark as well as in New York City, Paris, Montreal, Switzerland where he has established a strong collector base and reputation. 

Watercolor which has a life of its own, leaves behind imperfections, like scars on the skin, and add to the uniqueness and humanity of each piece. This complexity deepens the dramatic effect put forward by the artist with his use of abundant colorful hues and hidden symbolism, creating daring female portraits that cannot be forgotten. These highly structured compositions unravel an entire world before us, one filled with hidden messages. Like a map, the artwork guides us through the multilayered symbolism-laden in each individual piece. Aakjaer portrays mysterious women that are sensual, alluring and untamed. Her piercing gaze is daring the viewer to uncover her secrets. Like constellations, Aakjaer’s artwork shift in time and space, and require close attention to be unveiled by our own imagination. This is his first solo exhibition in the United States.

Ole Aakjaer "Untold Stories" is open to the public starting Friday, 23 November - December at Chase Contemporary located at 521 West 23rd Street in New York City.
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Interested media who wish to interview the artist, obtain press packets or images please contact Workhouse, CEO Adam Nelson via email [email protected] or telephone +1 212. 645.8006. All images are subject to copyright. 

Chase Contemporary is an art gallery and artist project space with two prominent locations in Chelsea, New York’s fine art district. Chase’s core program is to exhibit both established blue chip artists and emerging artists, to create a dynamic program that is diverse and provocative in its vision. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Visit chasecontemporary.com

Based On a True Story | 68" x 50" Watercolor and Ink on Paper

Red Moon  | 68" x 50" Watercolor and Ink on Paper

Sensitive Statement | 39.3" x 19.75" Watercolor and Ink on Paper

Recognition | 68" x 50" Watercolor and Ink on Paper

The Crowd is Cruel | 68" x 50" Watercolor and Ink on Paper

Strong Woman  | 68" x 50" Watercolor and Ink on Paper

East Meets West | 39.3" x 39.3" Watercolor and Ink on Paper

Never Alone | 68" x 50" Watercolor and Ink on Paper

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Ole Aakjær is a Danish artist born in 1962 who has been painting since he was able to hold a brush. The works are primarily executed using watercolor and ink on paper, often in very large formats. Aakjær affixes his hues and combines them with an apparent ease, and his works appear with a force and presence full of passion and power, leaving the spectators in admiration. The main represented themes are some of the most used in the history of art: the beautiful young woman. In his case, she is complex, fearless and photogenic. Aakjær examines the female face as a gateway to the soul. Although she courageously meets the eyes of the spectator with energy and obstinacy, her inner life and secrets remain intact. Her body is tattooed with texts and characters, which adds meanings and leads to questioning. A map of the world, a root system that spreads over the neck and face, a patterned circle recalling a mandala, thus making the world gravitate around the woman's face. We can also recognize a subtle influence from the world of advertising and graphic design, observing the margins of framing and the presence of oversized keywords in certain artwork. Aakjær has won numerous awards and competitions and has gained notoriety as a man of ideas, artist and painter. His last 24 exhibitions have all been a success, with every single piece sold.

W O R K H O U S E is one of the country's leading public relations and integrated creative agencies. Celebrating two decades of service, the agency provides forward thinking public relations, social media, brand promotion, creative consulting and modern day marketing. Clients have included Lou Reed, The Rolling Stones, Hugh Jackman, Francis Ford Coppola, David LaChapelle, CBGB, Max's Kansas City, Interview Magazine, Galleries Lafayette, Porsche, Ford Motor Company, Virgin, Jazz at Lincoln Center, International Emmy Awards, Assouline Editions, Rizzoli International Publications, Tony Shafrazi Gallery, Chase Contemporary, Versace and Avroko. Workhouse offers untraditional service across a broad spectrum of entertainment, culture, fashion and lifestyle spheres. Visit workhousepr.com