BERIT MYREBØE
Berit Myrebøe has chosen an unusual modern material for her artworks: shiny polished and cool reflective aluminum. In a partly self-developed process, Berit Myrebøe transfers photographs onto plates of aluminum and then de-familiarizes these photographs by using highly pigmented oil-based paint. Her favorite subjects are women – not infrequently herself. Expressive faces, body portraits, torso, nudes. Always serious, focussed, alone, independent, introverted. Strong women, whether shown with a dancing skirt, in underwear or just wrapped in her own skin. Their nakedness is not erotic but presents as proud, self-reliant and natural. Very occasionally a spectator appears subtly in the background, but always integrated as a secret voyeur in the scene.
When looking at the blurring and veiling in the paintings that lead to photorealistic images, one firstly has Gerhard Richters portraits of women dating from the 1980’s in mind. With stripes and blurring, appearing like the lights of a passing train, time and movement are made visible.
“Curtains” of light-stripes evoke strong similarities with the British artist Francis Bacon. Like Bacon, Myrebøe, by using these lights-stripes, blurring and defocusing, overcomes the static representation of the body and creates a strong expression of movement, time and energy. And like Bacon, her brush destroys everything that appears too photorealistic, too illustrative. Myrebøe’s multimedia walks on the edge blend of Photography, Printing and Painting is most exciting, when human shape is almost disintegrated or destroyed up to unrecognizableness.
Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services