FROM TATTOOS TO ART INSTALLATIONS
Historically speaking, the art of Greenland has gone from the sealer/whaler cultures’ traditions of decorating on skin, garments and tools to the modern contemporary art that we know today.
Not surprisingly, this development follows the development of society. From not having a real concept of art in the western sense, the perception of art in Greenland was quickly transformed following the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century.
Visual artists emerged and started producing works of art that were seen as more than simply works of decoration.
"Not surprisingly, the development of art follows the development of society."
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HISTORICAL EVIDENCE
The first things we began to see were small watercolors, drawings and figurines/sculptures made by Greenlanders who were bound to the dry land due to different causes.
During this period it was artists such as Aron from Kangeq (1822-1869) and the woodcutter Johannes Kreutzmann (1862-1940) who were significant.
However, these works of art are not only interesting to look at. Aron from Kangeq’s works are small, detailed depictions, typically done with pencil or watercolour, of places in and events from contemporary Greenland, and they also act as important historical sources that help us to understand the past.
With the success of the artist Hans Lynge (1906-1988), who is closely connected to European Impressionism, the art of Greenland finally established itself as an independent language.
A language that the younger Jens Rosing (1925-2008) refined further in his many portrayals of wildlife and nature. The subsequent generations of artists often mention these two pioneers when expressing their kinship with other artists.
