Established 2002

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Gert Nielsen (1926-1993) was a German-Danish sculptor known for working with materials such as wood, bronze, marble and plaster, and his works ranged from experimental wood sculptures to more naturalistic and abstract forms. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen from 1950-1955 and was inspired by international artists such as Henry Moore and Marino Marini. Nielsen was also a member of the Academy Council from 1983-1986.

1926-1949 Early years: Born in 1926 (Germany). Grows up in a time marked by war and upheaval. Moves to Denmark after World War II, where he later gains citizenship and artistic affiliation.

1950-1955 Education and experiments: Studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. Works mainly in wood: Labyrinthine, organic forms. Inspiration from modern European sculpture (including Henry Moore). His expression is experimental and searching — he has not yet found his final style.

1956-1965 Transitional period: from naturalism to simplification. The wooden sculptures become more structured and geometric. Begins to work with plaster studies and torso motifs. As he approaches the 1960s, he simplifies the bodies more and more. Creates his first naturalistic torsos, which already bear the seeds of abstraction.

1965-1975 Naturalistic torsos and figure studies: This period is characterized by: Naturalistic male/female torso works. Calm, balanced proportions, a strong focus on form, weight and materiality. Materials: Marble, Plaster, Bronze. A central work in this period is Portrait of a Graphic Artist (1975–76, marble).

1975-1985 Breakthrough: expressive abstraction. His idiom changes significantly: The body dissolves in movement. The arms split in many directions. Fragments and fragments become an artistic strategy. This period makes him a distinctive Danish sculptor. Inspirations: Marino Marini, Henry Moore, postmodern abstraction.

1985-1993 Late style: powerful, expressive bronze. Nielsen works almost exclusively in bronze. Forms become more dramatic, almost explosions of energy. A major work: Untitled Torso (1989), exhibited in front of Vejle Municipality. Participates in the Academy Council (1983–1986), recognition at a national level. Continues his work until his death in 1993.