Aquarell, «Neuhaus Thunersee», 33 x 47,5 cm, CHF 850.–

The fascination of light

Natural light was a central theme of the life of the artist Knud Jacobsen (1928–2019). In his diverse oeuvre, which encompassed a wide variety of media, he used it specifically to enhance the luminosity of colours. Several works by the artist, who had close ties to the city of Thun, are currently for sale.

Deutsch

Knud Jacobsen, 2013, vor «9 Köpfen».

Born in Algiers in 1928, Knud Jacobsen initially moved to Montreal with his family. In 1933, he came to Thun with his mother. His artistic career began in 1944 with an apprenticeship as a ceramic painter. 

 

He then honed his painting talents and skills with Max von Mühlenen in Bern and trained as a graphic designer at the local school of arts and crafts. In 1949, Knud Jacobsen moved into his own studio. He remained loyal to his hometown of Thun, where he ran two further studios over the next 70 years.

Ölkreide, «Emmentaler Bauernhaus», 29.5 cm x 41.5, CHF 480.–

Ölkreide, «Emmental», 30 x 42 cm, CHF 700.–

In his search for “translucent luminosity,” Knud Jacobsen found decisive inspiration in his concrete glass windows for the Thun Crematorium (1969). The purity of colours achieved there and the “charms of light” led him to watercolour painting. In this medium, he found the ideal way to realise his visions.

 

Acryl, «Der Sonnenuntergang», 40 x 36 cm, CHF 2800.–

Acryl, «Aarebecken Thun», 60 x 30 cm, CHF 3800.–

Aquarell, «Ländte Spiez», 70 x 90 cm, CHF 2000.–

This intense exploration of light and its reflections characterises many of his works, such as “Aarebecken Thun” (Thun Aare Basin) or his late work “Der Sonnenuntergang” (The Sunset), in which the flood of light is impressively visible. Through his exploration of light, Knud Jacobsen found a way to make his inner colour visions visible and to enable viewers to perceive the familiar in a new way.

 

Knud Jacobsen's importance to the Thun art scene is also evident in his involvement as co-founder of the Aarequai Gallery. He created numerous works for public spaces that continue to shape the cityscape to this day. In addition to the concrete glass windows mentioned above, these include the artistic design of the Johannes­kirche, the concrete relief at the Sonnmatt retirement home in Dürrenast, and the murals in the Bärensaal and Kursaal Thun. In 2012, Knud Jacobsen was honoured with the Grand Thun Culture Prize for his life's work and his lasting contribution to the city and region of Thun.


The “Werkbuch” published by Weber Verlag offers a comprehensive insight into Knud Jacobsen's work. His works can also be viewed and purchased in the online gallery at www.knud-jacobsen.ch.

 

Click here to visit the online painting shop:

www.knud-jacobsen.ch