Henrik Simonsen biography in Biographies from the artzine on artrepublic.com

Danish artist Henrik Simonsen’s charcoal drawings, prints and paintings use the organic processes of nature. Simonsen takes lessons from the simplicity of its forms and uses nature as a metaphor for vitality, vulnerability, passions and weaknesses inherent in the human experience. He describes his way of works as allowing the elements of the piece to ‘grow’ on the canvas.

Simonsen’s traditional Scandinavian background is evident in his influences which include the 18th Century Rococo period between 1730 and 1765. Rococo looked to nature for its inspiration, which is also traditional in Scandinavian architecture and design.

Spending time living in East Sussex, Henrik exhibited his work with Art of Treason at Brighton’s Art Fair in September 2011. In 2009 Simonsen featured in an issue of Art of England magazine and was also selected to submit a painting for the one year anniversary at the Bunny Gunner Art Show in LA. Simonsen has also been invited to create a piece for a museum in Belgium’s permanent collection.

Henrik Simonsen has exhibited at various venues around the world including the Royal Opera House London, The Silas Marden gallery in Long Island and Brighton’s White Gallery.

Henrik studied his BA1 in the Exeter UK, and then went to New York on a 5 month exchange program. After graduating from Exeter he shared a studio in Brighton with Dan Baldwin and Antony Micallef, who had been on the same degree course. He also spent time in Venice which is where he acquired a love for colour and techniques. He currently lives and works in Brighton.