Peter Ravn

COUCH. 50x50 cm. Oil on canvas. 2011.

DIALOG. 110x120cm. Oil on canvas. 2010.

LUGGAGE. 50x50 cm. Oil on canvas. 2010.

UM. 160x180 cm. Oil on canvas. 2009.

CARDINAL ELEVATION. 100x150cm. Oil on canvas. 2010.

Peter Ravn is a Danish artist who took to painting after some success in the music, design, and video industries during the 80s and 90s. There is something of the music video aesthetic in his work and the design sense is obvious. Working with what you know is always a good idea and it pays off here with images that can be both humorous and coldly ironic. His ubiquitous male professional with polished shoes, white collared shirt and jacket makes for an interesting protagonist. Whether collapsed upon the therapist's couch or huddled under an emergency blanket, he is no longer the lord of all he surveyed in the 20th century, but the realization may be late in coming. Technically the paintings are executed with an almost casual dash and confidence that works better in some instances than others. But no matter, it clearly indicates a strong and inherent knack for the medium. It will be interesting to see where he takes his hard-luck hero next. You can see more of his work on his website: peterravn.com