Artist Spotlight - Hans Jørgen Henriksen

Biography

Hans Jørgen Henriksen, alias de Hansi, is a principal researcher in hydrology and water resources. Henriksen dedicated years of studying the complex dynamics of water systems at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, have brought him a scientific lens that profoundly shapes his artistic vision.

Green triptych, 2025. Acrylics and oil stick on canvas, 100 X 80 cm.

As an autodidact painter, Hans Jørgen Henriksen’s work embodies the intersection of science and art, where the intricate patterns of the natural water cycle and the modelling process are main sources of inspiration. Drawing from his extensive experience at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland and more than 25 years of painting and exhibition experience, he has developed his unique painting process, he have coined 'zonation painting', somewhere in between figurative and abstract, geometric and organic style.

Etched by time, 2024. Acrylics on canvas, 80 X 100 cm.

He started to train with croquis drawings for 15 years (1985-2000) before he continued with development of his oil and acrylics painting skills (2001-2025). He still attempt to further develop his drawing and painting technique and style with urban street group drawing in summer in Copenhagen and group painting courses in winter allowing feedback by fellow artists and mentors.

Yellow catwalk, 2024. Acrylics on canvas, 80 X 100 cm.

Henriksen believe that each painting must grow by its logic and a proper mix of spontaneous and structured decision-making. Transforming sketches into layered paintings is a blend of intuition and structure. Color plays a vital role; contrasting hues evoke varied emotions. Henriksen’s goal is to create visually captivating, engaging artworks that reflect personal and universal themes.

World water day, 2024. Acrylics on canvas, 89 X 116 cm.

His most recent international group exhibitions have been the London Biennale (2021), Amsterdam art fair (2023), Florence Biennale (2023), Artexpertise Firenze-Milano (2023), The Crypt Gallery London (2023), Cannes, Versilia and Insbruck art fair (October 2024).

Blue symphony, 2023. Acrylics and oil stick on canvas, 90 X 120 cm.

He has also exhibited solo at various Danish galleries and exhibition venues (Gallery Bredgade 22 Copenhagen 2019 and Møllers Gallery Ordrup Denmark 2024).
His most recent and most comprehensive international solo exhibition was in Merlino Bottega d’Arte Galleria, Via dei Tavolini, 19r, 50122 Firenze Italy (31/3-13/4 2025) hosted by Artexpertise-Firenze.

A river is not a woman, 2015. Acrylics on canvas, 130 X 90 cm.

Artist Statement

Hans Jørgen Henriksens hydrological background shapes his art. Geometric shapes are ordered and precise. Organic shapes, in contrast, embody fluidity and unpredictability, echoing how a river, a storm surge, or groundwater flooding carves its way through the land.

Tip of the A.Iceberg?, 2024. Acrylics and oil on canvas, 92 X 73 cm.

Henriksen layer these forms, beginning with a geometric base, like a kind of multi layer groundwater modelling grid of the subsurface, which are constructed and parameterisised by use of scientific approaches, using layering, calibration, and validation. This layered modeling process reflects the various strata of understanding that exist in both art and science. The final piece reflects a balance between order and chaos, rationality, and emotion.

Girl in red jacket, 2023. Acrylics on canvas, 60 X 50 cm.

In this Zonation painting process focus is on integrating and balancing the four elements: lines, tones, colors, and emotion. Henriksens artistic philosophy draws inspiration from the likes of Cézanne, Klee, and other masters. Modernist painters like Cézanne, Matisse, and van Gogh have shaped his artistic approach.

Sandvig, 2023. Acrylics on canvas, 50 X 60.5 cm.

Cézanne’s deconstruction of form inspires Henriksen’s use of geometric structures, while Cezanne’s focus on color informs Henriksen’s palette. Matisse’s vibrant combinations encourage emotional resonance in Henriksen’s paintings, and van Gogh’s dynamic brushwork inspires Henriksen’s experiments with texture. The result is unique artworks that engages both intellect and emotion, balancing abstraction with figurative depth.

Kings path Sorgenfri, 2024. Acrylics on canvas, 130 X 90 cm.

Through vibrant colors and dynamic brushwork, he create immersive landscapes that reflect the beauty and complexity of groundwater and aquatic ecosystems. Each piece serves as an invitation for viewers to engage with the natural world, fostering contemplation about our relationship with water and the environment.

Molecular sea dance (PFISH), 2024. Acrylics on canvas, 120 X 100 cm.

Through his work, he seek to cultivate a deeper understanding of the vital role water plays in our lives and the urgent need for its preservation. His hope is that each painting resonates emotionally, prompting reflection on our collective responsibility to protect and cherish the natural resources that sustain us. This approach transcends mere representation; it embodies deep learning and aesthetic integration.

The boat, 2023. Acrylics on canvas, 130 X 90 cm.

Zonation painting is a dialogue between abstraction and figuration, where each artwork emerges from a continuous process of reconciling multiplicity with overall unity. The pictorial organization is achieved through neo-cubistic shapes, chromatic variations, and brushstroke diversity, all contributing to a cohesive composition.

Hans Jørgen Henriksen website: https://zonering.dk/about_us_uk/main.html
Hans Jørgen Henriksen instagram: @dehansi.art

Hunter's moon, 2023. Acrylics on canvas, 90 X 120 cm.

Cruzified aquifers, 2024. Acrylics on canvas, 100 X 70 cm.

The euro lyre, 2024. Acrylics on canvas, 130 X 90 cm.