Bente CHRISTENSEN-ERNST
A Brush with Truth and Symbolism
Born in Denmark in 1941, Bente Christensen-Ernst's journey as an artist began as a self-taught enthusiast, guided solely by her innate passion and boundless creativity.
A distinguished member of the Danish Society of Artists under the Royal Academy of Denmark and the Billedkunstnernes Forbund, the Association of Visual Artists, Bente's artistic endeavors are deeply rooted in a rich tapestry of tradition and innovation.
Bente's artistic pilgrimage took her to the enchanting landscapes of Turkey, where she embarked on her creative odyssey. Today, she divides her time between Turkey and Denmark, drawing inspiration from the juxtaposition of diverse cultures and landscapes.
In her paintings, Bente's distinctive hyper-realistic style confronts the viewer with unyielding clarity. Her monumental, vibrant images exude a palpable intensity, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the raw emotions and dramatic narratives that pulse through each stroke.
Through her art, Bente navigates the intricate interplay between truthfulness and symbolism, seamlessly weaving personal narratives with universal themes of human suffering and resilience. Her works serve as a poignant reminder of the profound beauty and complexity of the human experience.
Bente's artistic vision has transcended geographical boundaries, with exhibitions gracing art fairs and biennales across the globe. From the bustling streets of New York to the cultural epicenters of Europe and beyond, her paintings have captivated audiences with their arresting imagery and thought-provoking narratives.
SOLO SHOWS (Selection)
2023 Urbanist Art Gallery, Dubai, UAE
2023 Mission Art, Beirut, Lebanon
2021 Galeri Siyah Beyaz, Ankara, Turkey
2019 Gallery Dar al-Anda. Amman, Jordan
2015 Gallery Oxholm, Copenhagen, Denmark
2014 Gallery Artifact, East Village, Manhattan, New York, U.S.
2012 Galerie Wolfsen, Aalborg, Denmark
2011 Art House, Damascus, Syria
2010 Görüntü Sanat Galerisi, Adana, Turkey
2009 Galerie Wolfsen, Aalborg, Denmark
2007 C.A.M. - Contemporary Art Marketing, Istanbul, Turkey
2005 C.A.M. - Contemporary Art Marketing, Istanbul, Turkey
2004 C.A.M. - Contemporary Art Marketing, Istanbul, Turkey
2003 Christian Dam Galleries, Copenhagen, Denmark
2002 Millî Reasürans Sanat Galerisi, Istanbul, Turkey
2001 C.A.M Contemporary Art Marketing, Istanbul, Turkey
2000 C.A.M. Contemporary Art Marketing, Istanbul, Turkey
1999 Christian Dam Galleries, Copenhagen, Denmark
1998 Galerie Wolfsen, Aalborg, Denmark
1997 Asmalımescit Sanat Galerisi, Istanbul, Turkey
1996 Gallerihuset, Copenhagen, Denmark
1995 Galleri C, Aarhus, Denmark
1994 Galleri Wolfsen, Aalborg, Denmark
1992 Gallerihuset, Copenhagen, Denmark
1990 Galleri Sommersko, Copenhagen, Denmark
1985 Galeri Siyah Beyaz, Ankara, Turkey
1984 Studyo Fabrika, Ankara, Turkey
MUSEUMS
• The National Gallery on Frederiksborg, Denmark (with a portrait of the Danish poet Henrik Nordbrandt)
Bente Christensen-Ernst
Joy, 2022, oil on canvas, 140 cm x 140 cm (55.1 in x 55.1 in), Urbanist Gallery, Dubai.
Bente Christensen-Ernst
The Young Bride, 2010, oil on canvas, 120 cm x 120 cm (47.3 in x 47.3 in), Urbanist Gallery, Dubai.
Bente Christensen-Ernst
Arsuz II, 2022, oil on canvas, 90 x 90 cm (35.4 in x 35.4 in), Mission Art, Beirut.