Claus Ørntoft (born 1959), is one of Denmark's most important contemporary sculptors. He works mainly in granite with reference to Romanesque sculpture and an interest in the Nordic tradition. Ørntoft's study trip to Iceland, along with his discussions with the Danish painter Sven Havsteen-Mikkelsen (1912-1999). were crucial to his artistic development.
Animals, humans and strange beasts virtually force their way out of the granite in movements that are both violent and at the same time repressed. Ørntoft's sculptures appear to be symbols of mythical, primordial force and physical strength, subdued to breaking point by stringent forms. The larger, more complex sculptures frequently feature an asymmetrical balance, and characteristic to these works is a sense of inner equilibrium, in spite of and by virtue of this violent movement.
The public spaces that provide the venues for Ørntoft's sculptures convey the feeling of being attractive places - both architecturally and socially - in which to spend some time, as the works blend into their surroundings and make a distinct impression, irrespective of their size. Ørntoft's drawings are also extremely convincing, and his distinctive compositions are created both as preparatory studies for his sculptures and as works in their own right.
Over the years, a considerable number of Ørntoft's sculptures have become accessible to the public, as both commissioned works and public and private purchases have been placed in locations frequented by many people. The sculptor's work and artistic development are found mainly in Denmark, but also in Greenland, Iceland and Norway.
Birgit Jenvold
Read more ...
The sculptor Claus Ørntoft will be making a sculptural installation for the grounds of Marselisborg Castle park to mark the occasion of the 70th birthday of Queen Margrethe on 16 April 2010. The Queen was handed the first bronze models (on a scale of 1:14) at a ceremony in Århus on 5 June 2010. The full scale clay models are in the process of being completed. The next stage of the process will be the casting of the models.
2009-
Three Lions (Tre Løver), Marselisborg Castle, Denmark
2009-10
Outlook (Udsyn) Furresø
2008-09
The Hour of the Wolves (Ulvetiden), Aalborg, Denmark
2007-08
Human Animal (Menneskedyr), Bjergby, Denmark
2004-07
The Dreamer (Drømmeren), Kristiansand, Norway
2007
Effect (Virkning), Karlebo, DK
2004-07
Whirl (Hvirvel), Porsgrunn, Norway
2006
Serpentine (Slangevrid), Aalborg, DK
2005
Sea Creature (Havdyr), Hirtshals Town Hall, DK
2005
Guards (Vogtere), Kirketerp, DK
2003-04
Turned (Bugvendt), Vraa School, gift from New Carlsberg Foundation, DK
2004
Day Break (Morgenstund)
2002-03
Tension Field (Spændingsfelt), Jernbanegade/Banegårdspladsen, Hjørring, DK
2001-02
Introverted Stranding (Indadvendt stranding), Ny Hellesund, Norway
1999-00
Three Rovers(Tre Strejfere), Hedegård School, Ballerup, Denmark
1999
Shouting Beast (Råbende dyr), Hjørring, Denmark
1999
Thunder-calf (Tordenkalv), Bindslev, Denmark
1999
Moon Animal (Månedyr), Brønderslev Gymnasium, Denmark
1997-98
Walking Beast (Gående dyr), Næstved, The State Art Foundation, Denmark
1994-96
Cliff Animal (Klippedyr), Aabenraa old Town-hall, Denmark
1994
Creature (Væsen), Quarqotoq, Greenland
1993-94
Entrance (Indgang), Agricultural Research Center, Foulum, Denmark
1991-93
Lion and Snake, Samson and the Lion (Løve og orm, Samson og løve), Valgmenighedskirken, Odense, Denmark
1991 Two Beasts/Fight(To dyr), Røde Kro, Denmark
Two Beasts/Fight
Two Beasts/Fight
1989
Ram and Volute (Vædder og volut), Hjørring, Denmark
1989
Column (Søjle), Fredericia, Denmark
1985-88
Sculptural Landscape (Skulpturlandskab), Odense, Denmark
1985
Cow Head (Kohoved),in the ownership of the artist
1985
Installation in a church (Udsmykning af en kirke (Prisopgaven),in the ownership of the artist
2011
Sculpture by the Sea, Århus DK
2010 Bærums Værk Jubilee Exhibition, NO
2009
Grafisk Værksted Jubilee Exhibition, Hjørring, DK
2009
Slettnes lighthouse, Gamvik Kunstforening show, NO
Slettnes lighthouse, Gamvik Kunstforening show, Norway
Slettnes lighthouse, Gamvik Kunstforening show, Norway
Slettnes lighthouse, Gamvik Kunstforening show, Norway
Slettnes lighthouse, Gamvik Kunstforening show,Norway
Slettnes lighthouse, Gamvik Kunstforening show, Norway
Slettnes lighthouse, Gamvik Kunstforening show, Norway
Slettnes lighthouse, Gamvik Kunstforening show, Norway
Slettnes lighthouse, Gamvik Kunstforening show, Norway
Slettnes lighthouse, Gamvik Kunstforening show,Norway
2009
Nordjysk Kunst NU, Skagen and Hjørring DK
2005-09
Vraa-exhibition, Vraa, DK
Vraa Kunstbygningen, Vraa
Vraa Kunstbygningen, Vraa
Vraa Kunstbygningen, Vraa
Vraa Kunstbygningen, Vraa
Vraa Kunstbygningen, Vraa
2006
Karl Johan, Oslo, NO
2004-09
Corner, Copenhagen, DK
Corner, Copenhagen, DK
Corner, Copenhagen, DK
Corner, Copenhagen, DK
Corner, Copenhagen, DK
Corner, Copenhagen, DK
Corner, Copenhagen, DK
2004
Soloshow retrospective, Køge Collection of Sketches, DK
2004
Vendsyssel Art Museum, Hjørring, DK
Vendsyssel Art Museum, Hjørring, Denmark
Vendsyssel Art Museum, Hjørring, Denmark
Vendsyssel Art Museum, Hjørring, Denmark
Vendsyssel Art Museum, Hjørring, Denmark
Vendsyssel Art Museum, Hjørring, Denmark
Vendsyssel Art Museum, Hjørring, Denmark
2003
Koldinghus Art Museum, Kolding, DK
2002 Genius Loci, Søgne, Norway
2001 Ørntoft og Norheim, BaneGården, Aabenraa, DK
1999 Vraa-exhibition, invited guest, Vraa, DK
1999 The Middle Ages Viewed Through Our Time, Vejle, DK
1996 Culture-land Kedelhallen, Aalborg, DK
1996
Galleri Jutta, Aabenraa, DK
Galleri Jutta, Aabenraa, DK
Galleri Jutta, Aabenraa, DK
Galleri Jutta, Aabenraa, DK
1996-97 Corner, Charlottenborg, Copenhagen, DK
1995 Nordenfjords, Storstrøms Art Museum, DK
1995 SAK, Svendborg, DK
1994 Nordenfjords, Hjørring Artmuseum, DK
1992 Space & Shape, Haderslev Dampark, DK
1991 Gallery Nøglebæk, Odense, DK
1990 Futura, Aabenraa, DK
1989 Fynalen, Brandts klædefabrik, DK
1989 Hollufgård Summershow, DK
1986 New Danish Church Art, Esbjerg Art Pavillion, DK
1986 Charlottenborg Autumn Show, Copenhagen, DK
1985 The Art Building, Philosophic Hall, Odense, DK
To come ...
The religious element in the sculptures of Claus Ørntoft by Dean Lars-Erich Stephansen
Claus Ørntoft and Hour of the Wolves by Else Marie Bukdahl
Goti's genes - Romanesque associations by Inger-Lise Kolstrup
Against Sentimentality by Jeppe Ilkjær
Speech by Nils Ohrt for the opening of Effect/Virkning
Education
1985-86 Private student of sculptor E.Varming, DK
1983-87 The Art Academy of Fyn, Odense, DK
1982 Private student of Islandic sculptor G.Thorgrimsson, Iceland
1978-79 Kolding College of Art and Craft, DK
Stipendiums & prizes
2003 Henny C. og Møbel. Axel Clausens Foundation
2003 Akademiraadet - travel grant
2003 Statens Kunstfond (The Danish State Art Foundation)
2003 Sculptor, Professor G.Eickhoff and painter G.Eickhoffs Foundation.
2003 Sculptor G.Hennings Grant
2003 Thorvaldsens Foundation
2002 The Obelske Family Foundation
2001 Silkeborg Art Prize
2000 Agnes Lunns Grant
1999 Ole Haslunds Artist Foundation Honor Prize
1996 Ebba Celinders Foundation
1996 G.Hennings Foundation
1994 Awarded commission by Odense Council
1989 S.Nielsens Foundation
1989 G.Hennings Foundation
1988 The Bielkiske Foundations
1985 Church commission prize awarded by the Art Academy
1985 M.Poulsens Memorial Foundation
