An explorer of the artistic universe

Jan Axel Starup lived on Langeland from 1969 until his death in February 2024. He took an exploratory approach to his artistic practice and worked in media including painting, drawing, printmaking, video art and sculpture.

Starup himself compared his working method ”… to that of an explorer in the jungle who, with no guarantee of a useful result, is undauntedly driven forward by an inner force. Perhaps he succeeds in gaining insight – perhaps not. It is therefore essential to the creative process that the artist spends time exploring his peripheral areas – advancing in his works by constantly pushing beyond new personal boundaries.”

This exploratory approach was also reflected in his formal language, which varied depending on the materials and techniques he worked with.

Biography

Jan Axel Starup was born in Kastrup in 1932 and lived in Tranekær on Langeland from 1969 until his death in February 2024. He trained at the Academy of Fine and Commercial Arts in Copenhagen.
From 1958 onwards, Jan Axel Starup held numerous solo and group exhibitions, including at Filosofgangen in Odense, SAK in Svendborg and at art societies throughout the country. His ceramic works, including stoneware reliefs, can be found in many places, including the hospitals in Svendborg, Nyborg and Ringe, as well as at several schools on Funen.

If you would like to see more…

You can drop by Tranekær where Jan Axel Starup’s work Galakse can be found. You can also visit the Town Hall Garden in Rudkøbing where you can see his work Kildestene.