Knud Nielsen Knud Nielsen was seen as an artist who was far ahead of his time. Much of the work produced during the Danish-born artist’s career was seen as engaged and avant-gardist. He was artistically and philosophically very close to the CoBrA movement and its members.
He studied Fine Arts in Copenhagen in the 1930s. Later, he became a member of the CoBrA art movement, and went on to become one of its most prominent representative figures.
“The true use of art is, first, to cultivate the artist’s own spiritual nature.”
- Knud Nielsen
Nielsen’s Early Life
Nielsen was born in 1916 in Denmark.
He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen from 1935 to 1941 and was later affiliated with the CoBrA art movement.
The Beginning
In 1949, Knud Nielsen became a member of the CoBrA group, which was a short-lived but influential art movement that emerged in Europe after World War II. The group was founded in Paris in 1948 by a group of artists from Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The name CoBrA is an acronym derived from the first letters of the three cities where the group’s founders lived: Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Nielsen’s Work
Nielsen’s work is characterized by its bold colours, expressive brushwork, and abstract forms. He was particularly interested in the relationship between colour and form, and his paintings often feature vibrant hues and dynamic compositions. Nielsen’s work was exhibited widely throughout his career, both in Denmark and internationally. He received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to the arts, including the Eckersberg Medal in 1962 and the Thorvaldsen Medal in 1986.
Our Gallery
Nestled in Vindelev, Denmark, the Art Gallery of painter Knud Nielsen invites you to immerse yourself in a captivating fusion of art and hospitality. Our gallery not only showcases Nielsen's extensive collection of paintings and art objects, but also serves as a welcoming guest house. Explore the vibrant world of Nielsen's creations while enjoying our delightful local food. It's more than an art experience – it's a place where culture and Danish hospitality come together. Discover the perfect blend of art and "savoir vivre".
Nielsen’s Legacy
Nielsen was part of international art movement of pioneering artists who caused a revolution in modern art. He was an international post-war avant-gardist, whose work sought new means of expression, based on spontaneity and experimentation, for a new society. His work put emphasis on freedom of expression and has inspired many contemporary artists, and its influence can still be seen today. Nielsen passed away in 2008 at the age of 92. His legacy as one of Denmark’s most important artists of the 20th century continues to be celebrated to this day.
