Danish art with Polish roots will come to Warsaw this autumn. Jan Holger Jerichau’s exhibition will constitute an introduction to the story of the famous 19th-century painter of Polish origin and great-grandmother of the artist – Elizabeth Jerichau-Baumann. The exhibition of sculptures and graphics will be presented in PROM Cultural Centre on Saska Kepa from the 6th to the 30th of September.

Authentic humanism, conviction about spiritual connection between human being and nature, but also about a duty to care for the Earth – the creative output of Jan Holger Jerichau is abundant in meanings. The viewer’s sharp look will certainly find in his art a variety of currents. The artist is inspired by collage, but also by African and Egyptian art. These interests can be noticed in recurring motifs of masks, animals and totems. Organic sculptures, woodcuts, linocuts, pencil and charcoal drawings will be exhibited in PROM Cultural Centre in Warsaw in September. Jerichau’s works form daily a part of the prestigious Museum Jorn’s collection, but they have also frequently appeared in Danish art galleries for nearly 50 years.

The exhibition of Jan Holger Jerichau’s works takes place, not without reason, in the capital city of Poland. It is all about to tell the story of the family and its artistic roots. The Danish sculptor and graphic artist has ties to the city: His great-grandmother, Elisabeth Jerichau Baumann, a famous 19-century European painter, whose works are being discovered again in Denmark, was born in Warsaw. Educated in Düsseldorf, she had then numerous exhibitions in Paris, London, Munich, Berlin, Vienna and Copenhagen. She painted for many royal courts and became the first West European who gained access to the Turkish harems. Baumann was befriended with many eminent personalities from the time, such as Charles Dickens, the Grimm brothers and Hans Christian Andersen. Although she was born in a German family and left Warsaw at the age of 19, Baumann considered herself Polish.

In PROM Cultural Centre, there will be exhibited both graphics and sculptures by Jan Holger Jerichau, and also a minor presentation dedicated to Elisabeth Jerichau Baumann and her works of art.

Jan Holger Jerichau: Sculptures and Graphics
6th-30th September 2017
PROM Kultury, ul. Brukselska 23, Warszawa

Organizer: Danish Cultural Institute in Warsaw