Independent Collectors

Astrup Fearnley Collection

Raising questions about aesthetics, politics, and faith, this Norwegian collection features art by the likes of Richard Prince, and Cindy Sherman.

Frank Benson, Juliana, 2014 - 2015. Photo: Christian Øen
Frank Benson, Juliana, 2014 - 2015. Photo: Christian Øen

The Astrup Fearnley Collection is one of Europe’s most comprehensive collections of international contemporary art and includes significant works by artists like Matthew Barney, Paul Chan, Trisha Donnelly, Nicole Eisenman, Ida Ekblad, Félix Gonzáles-Torres, Rachel Harrison, Damien Hirst, Anselm Kiefer, Jeff Koons, Glenn Ligon, Bjarne Melgaard, Julie Mehretu, Richard Prince and Cindy Sherman.

The collection does not concentrate on specific eras, styles or groups, but reflects in-depth attention to the work of a wide variety of artists. The Astrup Fearnley Museet maintains the vibrancy of the collection by regularly rehanging the exhibitions, and placing the works in new constellations and contexts. The presentation on show focuses on a range of practices, often including several works by individual artists, in order to highlight the breadth and depth of the collection. Well-known artworks are juxtaposed with newly purchased pieces that have never been exhibited before. Not selected according to an overall theme, the different works generate a dialogue through their interplay with one other. This exhibition presents a multitude of topics and concepts that may inspire new directions of exploration. The artworks encourage us to examine complex issues and meditate on questions of aesthetics and politics, identity, sexuality and violence, and loss, faith and belonging.

Cindy Sherman, Untitled, 1987
Cindy Sherman, Untitled, 1987
Anselm Kiefer, The High Priestess/ Zweistromland, 1985 - 1989
Anselm Kiefer, The High Priestess/ Zweistromland, 1985 - 1989
Helen Marten, Under Blossom: A. uses illness, 2014. Photo: Thomas Widerberg
Helen Marten, Under Blossom: A. uses illness, 2014. Photo: Thomas Widerberg
Jeff Koons, Michael Jackson and Bubbles, 1988
Jeff Koons, Michael Jackson and Bubbles, 1988
Julie Mehretu, Mumbo Jumbo, 2008. © the artist and White Cube
Julie Mehretu, Mumbo Jumbo, 2008. © the artist and White Cube
Torbjørn Rødland, Bathroom Capture, 2010 - 2015
Torbjørn Rødland, Bathroom Capture, 2010 - 2015
Katja Novitskova, Storm Time Approximation (EM Map: S Pombe, C Elegans), 2016
Katja Novitskova, Storm Time Approximation (EM Map: S Pombe, C Elegans), 2016
Rachel Whiteread, Ether, 1990. Photo: Thomas Widerberg
Rachel Whiteread, Ether, 1990. Photo: Thomas Widerberg
Josh Kline, Poverty Dilation, 2016
Josh Kline, Poverty Dilation, 2016
Mathieu Malouf, Western Civilization, 2017
Mathieu Malouf, Western Civilization, 2017
George Condo, Double Heads, Composition on Abstract Field, 2017. Photo: Skarstedt, New York
George Condo, Double Heads, Composition on Abstract Field, 2017. Photo: Skarstedt, New York
Korakrit Arunanondchai, Untitled (History Painting), 2017. Photo: Thomas Widerberg
Korakrit Arunanondchai, Untitled (History Painting), 2017. Photo: Thomas Widerberg
Xu Zhen, Fierce Tiger Speed Through Valley, 2013
Xu Zhen, Fierce Tiger Speed Through Valley, 2013
Helen Marten, Part Offering (Hit the Mahogany), 2014
Helen Marten, Part Offering (Hit the Mahogany), 2014
Rachel Harrison, Brush With Greatness, 2012. Image courtesy the artist and Greene Naftali, New York
Rachel Harrison, Brush With Greatness, 2012. Image courtesy the artist and Greene Naftali, New York
Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Untitled (Blue Placebo), 1991
Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Untitled (Blue Placebo), 1991
Trisha Donnelly, Satin Operator #12, 2007
Trisha Donnelly, Satin Operator #12, 2007
Olav Christopher Jenssen, Lackmus Painting No. 01, 2004. Photo: Thomas Widerberg
Olav Christopher Jenssen, Lackmus Painting No. 01, 2004. Photo: Thomas Widerberg

The Astrup Fearnley Collection is featured in the BMW ART GUIDE by INDEPENDENT COLLECTORS.

For more information visit Astrup Fearnley Collection.

All images courtesy of the Astrup Fearnley Collection.