A R T S T A M P . D K

JES BRINCH

(DK)

Jes Brinch (b. 1966) is a prominent figure in Danish installation art, known for his provocative and socially critical works that challenge norms and authority within both the art world and society at large. After completing his education at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (1985–1992), he became a key player on the Danish art scene, particularly through his involvement in the artist-run exhibition space Baghuset in Nørrebro, established in 1987. This space served as a platform for experimental and controversial contemporary art.

Artistic Expression and Themes

Jes Brinch’s works are often characterized by an aggressive, confrontational, and anti-authoritarian attitude. His projects typically feature a strong performative and installation-based quality, engaging in dialogue with social and institutional structures. With a humorous yet often dark and destructive aesthetic, he creates works that deliberately push boundaries and challenge the viewer’s perception of art’s role.

Collaboration with Henrik Plenge Jakobsen.

Brinch collaborated for several years with installation artist Henrik Plenge Jakobsen, and together they created some of the most talked-about works of the 1990s. Their projects Burn Out. Burnt Kindergarten and Burn Out. Parking from 1994 are particularly infamous.

• Burn Out. Burnt Kindergarten: An installation consisting of kindergarten furniture that was burned and destroyed, commenting on the institutionalization of childhood and the latent destructive forces within society.

• Burn Out. Parking: On Copenhagen’s Kongens Nytorv, they staged a dramatic scene of chaos: 18 wrecked cars, an overturned city bus, and a damaged caravan. This work garnered massive media attention and sparked both fascination and outrage as it pushed the boundaries of what could be perceived as art.

Both projects addressed themes of destruction and societal collapse while challenging the frameworks and expectations of art institutions.

Other Projects

Throughout the years, Jes Brinch has worked on numerous other installation pieces, paintings, and sculptures where destruction, social critique, and humor remain central elements. His work often highlights power structures, cultural taboos, and the conflicts that arise in the tension between the individual and society.

Brinch’s art is not just an attack on the system but also an exploration of humanity’s destructive and creative forces. His works act as catalysts for debate and reflection, contributing significantly to discussions about what art can and should be in a modern context.

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