Artwork by Nirvi Bennich from the Jutlandic countryside
At art school I learnt about figurative painting and drawing and, after many years of painting with Meera, I got the longing to put the two facets together: the opening and spontaneity I learnt from Meera, and the handicraft I learnt at art school. Especially I wanted these two different qualities when adding people into my paintings with a narrative aspect.
During these last years, my life in an old farmhouse in the remote countryside of Danish Jutland has become my inspiration. I can still feel the presence of the old farmer who lived here before me, because many of his belongings have been left behind in the stables. So, through the paintings you can see here, I tried to find out more about his life and the history of this place.
The feeling I get of wanting to add water and splash about is still very important to me when I paint. And playing with different materials and techniques has become more and more part of my creativity.
(click on images to see fullscreen)
In Magic You Are Still Alive – Acrylics and oil on canvas, 2019
In the shed with the many old belongings I felt the farmer was still present.
Secret – Acrylics and oil on canvas, 2021
My imagination of the farmer and his housekeeper. She had a child living in the house.
Black Things Matter – Gesso, acrylics and oil, 2020
The shed which I can see from my window.
All Inclusive – Acrylics and oil on canvas and paper, 2019
This painting shows a farmer working in the fields, as I saw the other day.
Farmer for the Day – Acrylics and oil on canvas, 2020
Here I dressed myself in farmer’s clothes to get the feeling.
Remembering the True Colours – Silk print, acrylics on canvas dyed with nettle and birch, 2023
This painting is the sequel of my dressing up in farmer’s clothes.
Romance – Acrylics and oil, 2020
In my imagination; not so many years ago this would have been the view onto the fields. I have mixed feelings about this fast change.
Baastrup – Acrylics, 2023
A farmer’s cart.
Two Generations – Acrylics and oil on canvas, 2019
Collecting the harvest.
The Earth Is Calling – Silk printing, acrylics and embroidery, 2023
The farmer is pulling out weeds and, as the title says, it’s a wake-up call for the climate crisis.
Summer Door – Acrylics and embroidery on dyed canvas, 2023
Fading – Acrylics and on canvas dyed with avocado, 2023
These last two paintings are about my family.
Nirvi is going to facilitate the workshop ‘Opening to Creativity’ at Osho Risk, Denmark, 16-20 May 2024. Book with oshorisk.com
Related articles
- With Meera and beyond – Nirvi Bennich shows her paintings in our virtual Art Gallery and says, I am feeling so lucky for having been part of Meera’s creativity for so many years – now I feel I can include both Meera’s influence and what I learned in Art School. (April 2018)
- Nirvi Bennich included in the Nordisk Salong 2017 – A short report about Nirvi Bennich exhibiting at the Nordisk Salong – by Subhuti (November 2017)
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