John Kørner has, for many years, been one of Denmark’s most well-known and significant contemporary visual artists, both at home and abroad. Kørner’s style is unmistakable – he has his own unique way of painting and is regarded as a major innovator of contemporary art. John Kørner was educated at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen.
John Kørner, colours and context
John Kørner's works of art are powerful, colourful and expressive. He often uses violet and yellow in his paintings and is known for his characteristic colours.
John Kørner's lithographs are often colourful and very special in their configuration. Context is an integral part of his work.
John Kørner and problems
John Kørner creates space for reflection and thoughtfulness by using allegorical problems in his art. This can be, for example, the use of a colour, a figure or an imbalance that goes against the grain and creates disruption. In this way, the problem itself comes into focus in John Kørner's art. The problems are also depicted by John Kørner as egg-shaped objects or something that symbolises problems.
John Kørner and social relevance
Kørners paintings often highlight problematic social issues in the present day, for example, Denmark's participation in the war in Afghanistan. Women for Sale was one of a John Kørner's series, which as a theme, looks at the issue of prostitution and trafficking in Denmark.
John Kørner and architecture
Several of John Kørner's pieces have references to architecture and architectural drawings. The lines and shapes of the works give the impression, or are reminiscent of, architectural works and ornaments. You almost feel inclined to build something after viewing John Kørner's paintings. The strong colours can inspire activity, creativity and the desire to create something new.
John Kørner and MBK meeting rooms
John Kørner's art has always been an important part of MBK's meeting facilities.
John Kørner's vivid, positive and colourful works of art are well suited to our meeting rooms and encapsulate the spirit and inspiration that we would like to pass on to our guests. The fact that the pieces have an extraordinarily engaging context and in themselves are beautifully crafted, fits perfectly into MBK, as we always take care of both the details and the bigger picture.
John Kørner and the decorating commission of Frederik VIII's Palace.
John Kørner's paintings often bring political or sociocritical issues to the forefront and endeavour to engage the viewer. His first piece was rejected by Frederik & Mary, the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark, judging it too light. The second attempt, featuring a Danish soldier being shot in Afghanistan, now decorates one of the reception rooms along with the other Danish artists that were commissioned to decorate Frederik VIII's Palace.
The ten Danish artists who received commissions to decorate Frederik VIII's Palace are
Olafur Eliasson, Signe Guttormsen, Morten Schelde, John Kørner, Eske Kath, Kathrine Ærtebjerg, Kasper Bonnén, Tal R, Erik A. Frandsen and Jesper Christiansen.