Mater Profana (Defiguration) - Asger Jorn

Asger Jorn's 'Mater Profana (Defiguration)' presents a distorted Madonna and Child, rendered with bold brushstrokes and unsettling imagery. This painting challenges traditional religious iconography, reflecting Jorn's commitment to disrupting artistic conventions.

Asger Jorn, a Danish artist (1914-1973), was a central figure in the Situationist International movement. This radical, anti-establishment group sought to critique and subvert the dominant culture of the mid-20th century. Jorn's work frequently challenged conventional artistic norms through expressive brushwork and distorted imagery. He often incorporated elements of folklore and mythology into his pieces. Jorn's practice included painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking. He co-founded the COBRA group, an avant-garde movement known for its spontaneous and experimental approach to art. Jorn's work is held in major museum collections worldwide. 'Mater Profana (Defiguration)' presents a defaced Madonna and Child, rendered with bold, gestural brushstrokes and a striking palette of red, yellow, and blue. The figures are distorted, with the Madonna's face partially obscured by a red patch. This defiguration challenges traditional representations of religious iconography. The painting's raw energy and unsettling imagery reflect Jorn's commitment to disrupting established artistic conventions. The composition, while recognisable as a Madonna and Child, is imbued with a sense of unease and subversion.