The Shortlisted Artwork
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Pondering Man is based on a picture that was sourced by the artist from an amateur photographer. Striking for his presence and facial expression, the man gazes off introspectively in a manner that encapsulates and betrays his character.
Stalheim’s portrait actively spikes the curiosity of the viewer. Who is this man, and what is his life story? What life experiences has he had that I haven’t and what type of wisdom does he have that I don’t? |
Artist Statement
Eirik Broll Stalheim was exposed to art from an early age. The oil paintings hanging on the wall of his grand-parents’ house fascinated him as a child. His interest continued as he frequented the museums in his native Bergen, Norway exposing him to inspirational Norwegian master-painters such as J.C. Dahl, Hans Gude, Christian Krohg and Edvard Munch. As he grew older he realised he had an innate ability to draw what he saw with an uncanny accuracy. The combination of exposure and natural gifts led him to pursue painting, co-opting a set of oil paints his mother had purchased for herself and buying books on modernist masters; emulating their style before arriving at his own distinctive hyper-realist sensibility.
Stalheim is interested in the behaviour of humans and uses portraiture as a means to explore it. His works imbue his subjects with a sense of immediacy that oftentimes elicits a direct emotional reaction from the viewer. This stimulus is generally accompanied by a heightened sense of curiosity. The expressivity of Stalheim’s sitters reveals characteristics of their personalities but simultaneously encourages the viewer to consider their backstories, as the narratives are not meticulously detailed like the features of the subject his/herself.
Stalheim is interested in the behaviour of humans and uses portraiture as a means to explore it. His works imbue his subjects with a sense of immediacy that oftentimes elicits a direct emotional reaction from the viewer. This stimulus is generally accompanied by a heightened sense of curiosity. The expressivity of Stalheim’s sitters reveals characteristics of their personalities but simultaneously encourages the viewer to consider their backstories, as the narratives are not meticulously detailed like the features of the subject his/herself.
About the Artist
Eirik Broll Stalheim (b.1990) was born in Bergen, Norway. He is currently based in London where he is studying painting at City and Guilds of London Art School. Before attending the university he was primarily self-taught. The artist has exhibited in both Norway and London.
