Asger Jorn’s large, brightly colored lithograph draws on Scandinavian mythology in particular referencing Jord, a figural representation of the earth. Jorn was often inspired by Nordic folklore and tradition. The work of the twentieth-century Danish author Johannes V. Jensen was his source for mythology in his artwork. Even though he chose to expatriate in 1953 his native land played an important role in his work. Den røde jord suggests a barren, archaic landscape, referring to the ancient earth. Figures emerge from the frenzied line in this print. On traditional folk imagery Jorn commented: “It is the art that manifests humanity’s and life’s feasting, the popular art that we (….) consider the most valuable, as it has been the common property of most people for the longest period of time.”
© Donation Jorn, Silkeborg c/o Pictoright Amsterdam/Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Makers

Translated title

The Red Earth

Collection

Prints

Production date

1953

Library

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Dimensions

102 x 72.5cm.

Material

lithograph on paper

Object number

A 9400

Credits

schenking kunstenaar / gift of the artist

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