In a studio in Drammen, Lavrans Borgen spends most of his time. He paints with broad brush strokes for hours every day. Lavrans was advised to start painting by his psychologist. Photo: Tina Brock / news He painted the first picture in the boys’ room just two years ago, but he has big ambitions for the future. He recently sold out his first solo exhibition at Tjuvholmen in Oslo. Fighting for mental health – It probably takes a while to let it sink in properly. It couldn’t have gone better. The heart is filled with lots of good energy and inspiration to continue working, he says after the successful exhibition. Lavrans has previously been involved in a painting auction with Maud Angelica Behn. Both have mental health as a matter of their hearts. They gave the money from the auction to Mental Health Youth. Maud Angelica Behn and Lavrans Borgen exhibited two paintings to raise money for Mental Health Youth. Photo: @artbylavrans The 19-year-old has also created a commissioned work for footballer Martin Ødegaard of the football pitch in Drammen, where they both played as children. Grinds away the anxiety He was actually going to be a footballer. But a few years ago he had a mental breakdown. The football dream was put on ice. His concentration failed, he was restless and experienced inner restlessness and anxiety. It didn’t take long before he was tipped off the stick. He started painting at the urging of the psychologist. Now it helps him keep those difficult feelings at bay. COLOURS: There will be many paint stains during a working day. Photo: Tina Brock / news – It is very therapeutic for me to stand and paint. At least it helps me process the thoughts and feelings when they come. He is currently self-taught, but in just two years he has noticed great progress in his own development. – The first images were anxiety-depicting images. As things have changed, painting has changed a lot. I may have moved towards a slightly more harmonious expression, he says. The painting “Brainstorm” by Lavrans Borgen. Three paintings exhibited at the opening exhibition of Lavrans Borgen. The painting “Unconditional love”. Paintings by Lavrans Borgen. Mum is the role model His artistic role models are famous artists such as Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso and Bjarne Melgaard. – My biggest role model in general in life is my mother. She has played an important role. Both as a person, but also as an artist. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: The image on the left illustrates Lavrans comforting his mother in a difficult time, as she has always comforted and supported him. Photo: Tordis Gauteplass / news In his first solo exhibition, he painted, among other things, a picture dedicated to her. – It is incredibly strong. I think that when you are able to paint and express your feelings, you have cracked the code for art, says mother Tove Borgen. Young artists are discovered on social media Art critic Lars Elton in Dagsavisen says Lavrans has a characteristic style. – I understand that this hits an audience and that it can be popular, he says. Lavrans has created a commissioned work for footballer Martin Ødegaard of the football field in Drammen, where they both played as children. Photo: artbylavrans Journalist and art critic Alma Holtvedt in Aftenposten says that Lavrans’ use of colour, motif and the thick, black lines draw associations with street art, pop art and naivety. She also thinks he has seen a lot of Picasso’s portraits. – The paintings must also be seen in the light of the digital reality his generation has grown up in. Perhaps you can call it a form of Instagram aesthetics? she says. Holtvedt thinks it is impressive that Lavrans has sold out a solo exhibition at such a young age. Alma Holtvedt is a journalist and art reviewer in Aftenposten. Photo: Private – It testifies not least of a courage and a level of ambition that can take him far, she says. Holtvedt highlights a Lavrans is one of several very young artists who have become popular through social media in recent years. – It seems that the digital platforms are in the process of engaging a new art audience: Young, aesthetically conscious people who are not necessarily so interested in tramping around galleries and museums every Sunday, but who discover the joy of art in completely different ways ways.
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The first solo exhibition was sold out. Lavrans Borgen (19) takes up the fight with Munch – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
