Jacob Rantzau (1973) depicts people (often himself) in absurd, unexpected situations with themes like isolation, abundance and the Jantelov – a nordic term for the tendancy of a group’s condescending attitude toward individuality and success. Rantzau’s style is figurative and this artist has mastered his craft with perfect technique.

In one way or another, Rantzau’s paintings often revolve around the human form and the backgrounds are often dark and impermeable. Recently, though, he has developed a light and blue pallet reminiscent of the open-air style painting of the historic Skagen Painters.

Rantzau creates each naturalistic painting using several detailed layers, usually focusing on an individual (or two) in a situation that can be understood as the artist’s comment on a subject of religion or culture. After studying in London, he is inspired by the period from 1870-1890 - drawing from classical painting and putting it in a modern-day context. Rantzau transforms and modernizes classic painting with expressive imagery. With his technique inspired by the old masters, his paintings change perception by encouraging exploration into new space.

CV

2017
Study visit in London
Skagen Museum ’Björck & Rantzau - Together we get somewhere’, Skagen Kunstmuseum, 2. juni-29. december 2017
Studio visit at Glyptoteket studying Jules Bastien Lepage
3 weeks studio visit Vendsyssel kunstmuseum studying Poul Anker Beck

2016
Project ‘In it for the money’, Art Copenhagen
Scope, Art Basel. Schweiz.

2015
'Rust and gravity’, Soloudstilling, Scope, Art Basel. Schweiz.
Scope, Art Basel. Miami
LA Art Show

2014
Scope, International contemporary art show, New York
The way I see the world’, Solo show, Akvarel, Galerie Wolfsen
‘Masterpieces’, Group show, Galerie Wolfsen
LA Art Show

2013
3 weeks sudio visit in the studio of P.S. Krøyers in the garden of Skagen Museum
Grant: Dahlers kunstlegat

2012
’I Danmark er jeg født’, Solo show, Art Copenhagen,

2011
'’You can't hold back spring’, Solo show, Galerie Wolfsen

2008
’In mente’, Solo show, Galerie Soto
’Mageløse mennesker’, Group show, Frederikshavn kunstmuseum

2006
Portrait of former mayor Orla Hav

Art fairs

Art Copenhagen: 2008-2011, 2013-2015
Art Herning: 2008-2010, 2013-2016
Art North: 2016