Malene Hartmann Rasmussen
Malene Hartmann Rasmussen
Malene Hartmann Rasmussen is a Danish artist whose work blends narrative figurative sculpture and installation with an emphasis on fairy-tale and mythological themes. Born in 1973 in Hillerød, Denmark, she studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts School of Design, Bornholm, and later earned an MA in Ceramics & Glass from the Royal College of Art in London in 2011. Rasmussen is known for creating intricate ceramic works that explore animism and the idea of nature as a sentient force, often drawing on Nordic folklore and mythological creatures like trolls and changelings. Her art is imbued with both whimsy and darkness, using fantastical elements to delve into themes of memory, grief, and the subconscious.
Artistic Focus
A recurring theme in Rasmussen’s work is the forest, representing both nature’s beauty and the mystical, hidden realms of the unconscious mind. Her ceramics, which often appear charming at first glance, carry a deeper, sometimes unsettling narrative that reflects personal experiences, such as the loss of her parents. She is known for her highly detailed craftsmanship, meticulously hand-modelling each piece to create elaborate, hyper-real worlds.
Selected Exhibitions and Recognition
Rasmussen’s work has been widely exhibited across Europe and the UK. Some notable exhibitions include:
- Jerwood Makers Open 2015, London
- Victoria & Albert Museum Residency, London (2018)
- Vehbi Koç Foundation, Mesher, Turkey
- Michelangelo Foundation, Italy
- Fondation Bernardaud, France
- CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art, Denmark
Collections
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art, Denmark
- Fondation Bernardaud, Limoges, France
- International Ceramic Research Center Guldagergård, Denmark
- Aberdeen Art Gallery, UK
- Harris Museum, Preston, UK
Education
- Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts School of Design, Bornholm
- Royal College of Art, London – MA Ceramics & Glass (2011)
