Mie Olise Kjærgaard (b. 1974), lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark
Mie Olise Kjærgaard works in painting, sculptural objects and installation.
Since graduating from Central St. Martins in 2008, her work has focused on the concept of ”man-made constructions” in relation to dystopian ideas. She holds a Master of Fine Art from Central St. Martins in London. Kjærgaard’s paintings arrive like a thundering herd. The color, scale and brushwork grab our attention. Kjærgaard has full command of the formal elements in the artist toolbox. Even before we can decode the subject matter, we are aware of a very specific color palette—pink, turquoise, burnt sienna, yellow, lavender. The brushy application of paint conveys a feeling of urgency, speed and freedom. Kjærgaard has invented a cast of characters and scenarios that startle and delight. The protagonists are women and they seem to be having the time of their lives. They ride bareback on huge, pre-historic-looking creatures. They band together to play guitars and other instruments, while piloting Viking boats across the sea. They dart around the tennis court or ride horses, sometimes accompanied by their children and pet dogs.
Mie Olise Kjærgaard has exhibited widely in both the United States and Europe. Her works are held in collections such as MFAH, Houston, JP Chase Morgan, Ny Carlsbergfondet, Sammlung Philara, Dusseldorf and the Ole Faarup collection.
