Kristiansand Kunsthall’s summer exhibition is dedicated to a grand and vibrant presentation of the paintings by Lars Korff Lofthus, whose motifs resonate with Norwegian tradition, nature, and cultural heritage. He reworks and plays with recognizable elements, making them feel both foreign and deeply rooted in history at the same time.
Through his works, Lofthus re-evaluates storytelling on the periphery. He addresses historical craftsmanship and longstanding cultural traditions; tapestry weaving, rose-painted cabinets, and beer bowl rituals that he himself participated in growing up. When the bowl with the new beer was passed around from man to man, it marked the male sphere and the responsibility to carry on the tradition. The man is also explicitly present throughout the exhibition; unclothed and eroticized. The sturdy bodies blend into depictions of the western Norwegian nature, light, and cultural landscape he grew up in.
Lars Korff Lofthus is educated at the Bergen Academy of Art and Design, the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and the Nordic Art School in Kokkola, Finland. Lofthus has an extensive exhibition School in Kokkola, Finland. Lofthus has an extensive exhibition practice and is also engaged in writing, communication, and curating. His works have been acquired by, among others, the National Museum, Bergen Art Museum KODE, Oslo Municipality, Equinor, and the University of Agder. He divides his time and work between Bergen, where he was formerly an associate professor at the art academy, and his studio in Hardanger. The exhibition at Kristiansand Kunsthall is Lars Korff Lofthus’ most comprehensive solo exhibition to date.
Installation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand Kunsthall. All photos by Bent René SynnevågInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand Kunsthall. All photos by Bent René SynnevågInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand Kunsthall. All photos by Bent René SynnevågInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand Kunsthall. All photos by Bent René SynnevågInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand Kunsthall. All photos by Bent René SynnevågInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand Kunsthall. All photos by Bent René SynnevågInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand Kunsthall. All photos by Bent René SynnevågLars Korff Lofthus, Interiør (Rambergstova) (2024). Acrylic and pigment on canvas. 190 x 320 cmInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand KunsthallInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand KunsthallLars Korff Lofthus, Rotvelter in Huseskogen (2024). Acrylic and pigment on canvas. 190 x 320 cmInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand KunsthallInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand KunsthallInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand KunsthallLars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem II 2024). Wood carving, acrylic, gold leaf and lacquer. 50 x 30 x 25 cmLars Korff Lofthus, Framskap (orange) (2023). Acrylic and pigment on canvas. 190 x 160 cm.Installation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand KunsthallLars Korff Lofthus, Raudt staup (2024). Acrylic, oil and lacquer on wood. 53 x 61 cmInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand KunsthallInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand KunsthallLars Korff Lofthus, Framskap (blå) (2023). Acrylic and pigment on canvas. 190 x 160 cmLars Korff Lofthus, Kar og Kjenge VII (2024). Acrylic and pigment on canvas. 190 x 160 cmInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand KunsthallInstallation view, Lars Korff Lofthus, Jeg bæres frem til tørstig Mand at Kristiansand KunsthallLars Korff Lofthus, Interiør med blått staup (2024). Acrylic and pigment on paper. 110 x 75 cm
