Installation view of Lethe by Henrik Uldalen at JD Malat Gallery, Mayfair
Henrik Uldalen is a self-taught artist, who caught the attention of gallerist Jean-David Malat via his Instagram account. His impasto portraits depict the tumultuous variety of human emotion. Following the opening of his second solo show Lethe at JD Malat Gallery in Mayfair, we speak to the artist about inspiration, social media and the colour pink.
Artist Henrik Uldalen in his studio
1. Can you tell us about the concept for Lethe"
The show, in broad terms, is about history versus the collective memory, and how the zeitgeist of our time is polarising the society with the use of fear and glorified notions of the past.
2. What inspires you to start a new series or artwork" Most of time I don?t need inspiration to start a new series. The need to create and express is always within, and if I don?t get it out of my system I know I won?t be a happy man. Over the years I?ve come to learn this about myself, and how to practically force myself out of the door in order to function as a person.
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3. Are the figures you paint imagined or drawn from personal memories"
The people you see are models that I approach, but all the figures are also me. Every piece I make is a self-portrait projected onto a stranger, expressing my inner most intimate feelings and moods.
Artwork by Henrik Uldalen
4. How do you think social media is impacting the way we view art"
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