A R T S T A M P . D K

FRITHIOFF JOHANSEN (1939-2015)

(DK)

Frithioff Johansen (1939-2015) was a renowned Danish visual artist, whose extensive body of work spans a wide range of media, including sculpture, painting, graphic art, and multimedia. His career began with his debut at the Kunstnernes Efterårsudstilling and Charlottenborg in 1965, and he quickly became a central figure in Danish art life. Johansen was a member of the prominent artist groups Sonde and Grønningen, and his works were soon recognized for their originality and depth.

He was trained as a librarian and initially studied literature, which gave him a unique approach to art. This interdisciplinary perspective was clearly evident in his works, which often challenged both form and content. At various points, Johansen was actively involved in artistic decision-making bodies, including the Academy Council, the Artists' Society, and the Danish Arts Foundation’s visual arts decoration committee, where he helped shape Danish art policy.

Johansen received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Eckersberg Medal in 1998 and the Danish Arts Foundation's lifetime achievement award in 2004. In 2008, he also became a member of the international artistic community as part of The International Kepes Society.

His artistic work has left a lasting impact on both Danish and international art, and his ability to combine different art forms has made him a respected figure in the Danish art world.