Mathias Malling Mortensen

Mathias Malling Mortensen’s artistic language centers around space and the interplay between shapes and forms. He explores the tension between light, delicate shapes and complex compositions, examining how they interact with their surroundings. Mortensen’s work reveals an intuitive, minimalist approach, showing careful attention to detail. His art reflects a deep fascination with urban architectural elements and botanical forms, often highlighting aesthetic qualities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through his works, he invites viewers to experience the subtle connections between ornamental details and layered compositions.

Primarily working with papercutting, painting, and graphics, Mortensen has developed a signature style of “cut-out” imagery that gives his pieces a sculptural quality. His characteristic papercuts are recognized for their color combinations and layered approach with paper and canvas. This technique allows him to experiment with contrasts between light and dark, different textures, and negative space, creating images that are both intriguing and evocative.

Mathias Malling Mortensen (b. 1980) is a self-taught artist living and working in Copenhagen, Denmark. His work is grounded in a long-term project of spatial research, which has influenced his approach to artmaking. Malling Mortensen’s works has been exhibitied both in Denmark and internationally. Recent exhibitions include ’Alt det som ikke er’ at Esbjerg Kunstsmuseum (2024, DK), Twelve Rooms at Bricks Gallery (2023, DK), and Inner Sound at SARP (2021, IT). 

Portrait photo: Theis Mortensen