Magnus Bjerk - Artist Profile

    born 13.03.1980, Sarpsborg, Norway
    BA (Hons) Fine Art Photography, Edinburgh College of Art in 2004
    currently lives and works in Berlin-Germany and Sarpsborg/Oslo-Norway

    Several of Magnus Bjerk´s photography series contain individuals that can be seen as challengers of their environs, confronting the limitations of gravity, of the strict graphic compositions and of their often static surroundings. His projects generally explore the relationship between his subjects and their surroundings and the tension between movement and stillness. Through careful staging, choice of location/models and by taking advantage of a great range of exposures, he elevates the motifs beyond our everyday perception of them.

    Magnus Bjerk is visually working within strict almost clinical framework. Playfulness and intuition is nonetheless an important part of his visual language and he emphasizes the formal visual expression as an equally important part of his work as the preconceived theoretical concept. Bjerk is influenced by Doug Aitken and Philip-Lorca diCorcia among others.

    All work is shot on analogue medium format, no digital manipulation. The photographs are laminated and mounted on aluminium, pvc or plexi. Sizes mainly range from ca 50cm² - 125cm². Editions range from 4 - 8 images.

    Magnus has exhibited extensively internationally, is represented in numerous state and private art collections and has received several grants/stipends.

    Excerpt from one of Blomqvist Kunsthandel´s press releases:
    We are very proud to present new photography by Magnus Bjerk. No other artist that has exhibited with us has come close to the attention he has received, says executive manager, Knut Forsberg at Blomqvist Kunsthandel. Magnus Bjerk exhibited at Blomqvist Kunsthandel for the first time in 2005. Photography for more than 300 000 Norwegian Kroner was sold . "This happens very rarely and is a lot more than what is normal for such young artists."