JONAS BURGERT

b. 1969 Berlin, Germany

Lives and works in Berlin, Germany

 

Jonas Burgert graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts, Berlin, in 1996 and consecutively studied for a postgraduate title (Meisterschueler) under Professor Dieter Hacker in Berlin. Jonas Burgert paints a stage every time that he lifts his brush: with every stroke, with every composition. His works depict the inexhaustible theatre play that Burgert considers to be the meaning of human existence: man’s need to make sense of his purpose in life. It is a quest that seems inconclusive, but which opens doors to every sphere of reasoning, imagination, and desire. Oversized canvases are crowded with fantastical costumed figures intertwined with organic forms of various proportions, illustrated with bold colors, draping a trace of unspoken emotions among viewers.

 

Since 1998, his work has been on view in numerous group shows around the world, including “Geschichtenerzaehler,” Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, 2003, and “Triumph of Painting Part VI,” London’s Saatchi Gallery, 2006. He is best known for his use of animals and people as ornamentation, often portraying them amid ritual acts. Regardless of cultural and nationalistic differences, Burgert’s works are relatable for everyone. “For me, it’s not interesting to show what it’s there but to show what’s also the subtext. I try to see what’s behind the people around me and what’s behind the surface,’’ says Burgert.

 

Selected Solo Exhibitions include “sinnwild,” Tang Contemporary Art, Seoul, (South Korea, 2024); “Stirn sticht,” DSC Gallery, Prague, (Czech Republic, 2023); “ein Dorn weich: Recent Drawings,” Stephen Ongpin Fine Art, London (UK, 2022); “raub und bleib,” Produzentengalerie, Hamburg (Germany, 2022); “blüht und lügt” , Long Museum West Bund, Shanghai (China, 2021); “Blindstich” , Tang Contemporary Art, Beijing (China, 2020); “Sinn frisst,” Arp Museum Bahnhof Rolandseck (Germany, 2020); “Ein Klang Lang,” Tang Contemporary Art (Hong Kong SAR, China, 2019), etc. Selected group exhibitions include “Spring Exhibition,” Galerie Thomas, Munich, (Germany, 2024); “Golden: 28th Anniversary Exhibition,” Tang Contemporary Art, Beijing, (China, 2024); Tokyo Gendai, Tang Contemporary Art, Tokyo, (Japan, 2024); “Tokyo Gendai,” PACIFICO Yokohama, Yokohama, (Japan, 2023); “Art Busan,” BEXCO Exhibition Center, Busan, (Korea, 2023) ; “Art Basel,” The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Hong Kong, (China, 2023); “Unpack Reveal Unleash,” Tang Contemporary Art, Seoul, (South Korea, 2023) ;“FLOWER,” Choi&Choi Gallery, Seoul (Korea, 2022);  “German Painting Now,” Telegraph Gallery, Olomouc (Czechia, 2021); “Szene Berlin,” Hall Art Foundation (Germany, 2020); “Kirchner · Richter · Burgert, me Collectors Room Berlin,” Olbricht Foundation (Germany, 2019); “Where is the Madness You Promised Me,” Hudson Valley MOCA, New York (USA, 2019), etc.

 

Public collections include the Long Museum, Shanghai; Burger Collection, Hong Kong; Denver Art Museum, US; Rubell Family Art Collection, US and Taguchi Art Collection, Japan.