Jan Pleitner creates striking and expressive abstract painting driven by subconscious thought. Often painted in short bursts of time, or even marathon single sittings, the works are full of movement and energy, with jolting lines pulling the eye up and down the canvas. Pleitner’s highly physical approach to painting sees him scrape through layers of paint as readily as he builds them up, resulting in a highly tactile canvas. His deep colour palette is lively and mercurial, with elemental patches, streaks and lines bleeding into one another and jostling for space aggressively, but not inharmoniously. Imbued with symbolic properties, they point towards a synesthesiac sensibility. Born in Oldenburg, Pleitner is currently based in Düsseldorf, having graduated with an MA from the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf in 2010.
Recent solo exhibitions include: Helios, Kerlin Gallery, Dublin, (2018); Träum Weiter, Kunstverein Heppenheim, Germany, (2017); Water for the Tribe, Kerlin Gallery, Dublin (2016); [kaj`f], Kunstfoyer am Langenweg, Germany, (2014) and Ein weiterer Stein aus der Wand, Stadtmuseum Oldenburg, Germany, (2013). Recent group exhibitions include: Emotional Rescue, Elephant Kunsthall, Lillehammer, Norway, (2018); Deep One Perfect Morning, Kerlin Gallery, Dublin, (2014); Die Stummen Schreie Deiner Socken, Plattenpalast, Berlin, Germany, (2012); show of the week, Freies Museum Berlin, Berlin, Germany, (2012); Von Affen und Pferden, Museum Ludwig, Koblenz, Germany, (2007); Paintings & Wallpapers, Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, Germany, (2007) and I Like To Move It, Infernoesque, Berlin, Germany, (2007).
Pleitner was awarded a grant by the Kulturstiftung der Öffentlichen Versicherungen Oldenbur
Text courtesy Kerlin Gallery.

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