THE JOURNAL _

Mads Hofmann is OFF THE WALL . a talk about art and life

Monday Studio is happy to present you to the great work of Mads Hoffmann.

25. okt. 2024

For the OFF THE WALL exhibition

Concept by Jakob Hindhede, Graphics by Bob Petra & art by Mads Hofmann.

Mads Hofmann, a self-taught artist from Copenhagen, showcases his distinct blend of urban contemporary and figurative art at Monday Studio when we, once again, give it up for the pop-up exhibition series OFF THE WALL!

Known for fusing street art influences with contemplative, narrative-driven works, Hofmann’s paintings explore themes of identity, existence, and the complex emotions of everyday life.

Mads Hofmann (?) - you still ask?

Well, Mads Hofmann has always been drawn to art, with an early fascination for street art and comic book illustration shaping his creative path. Despite being self-taught, his passion for drawing and painting has never waned. “I’ve always drawn and painted for as long as I can remember,” Hofmann reflects.

His art acts as a reflection of his thoughts and emotions, which he channels into powerful, often figurative imagery.

Hofmann’s urban contemporary style blends the vibrancy of street art with the introspection of contemporary figurative work. His love for comics and street culture shines through in his use of bold characters, often infused with a sense of narrative storytelling. Each piece is a personal exploration, capturing moments of life and transforming them into visual expressions. "I use art to reflect and get my thoughts and feelings down on paper," he explains.

... Exploring Identity and Expression through Art

Hofmann’s work often revolves around themes of identity, existentialism, and the raw reality of life. He seeks to engage viewers by creating emotional and atmospheric connections through his figures and compositions. “I always aim to create a feeling or mood,” he says. His paintings, while deeply personal, invite the audience into a shared space of reflection, challenging them to see familiar themes in new ways.

His creative process often oscillates between structure and chaos. While Hofmann maintains a relatively fixed routine, he admits that his thoughts can sometimes be unpredictable, leading to spontaneous creative outbursts. “There’s a certain rhythm to my routine, but my thoughts are always racing,” he notes. This balance between order and unpredictability lends a unique energy to his work.

Urban Contemporary: A Dialogue between Street and Figurative Art

Hofmann’s style is distinctly urban contemporary, a fusion of street art’s raw energy and figurative art’s narrative depth. He often draws on his love for street culture, blending it with existential musings that shape the world around him. "My passion for street art and comics still comes through in my work," Hofmann says, and his pieces reflect the intensity and vibrancy of those influences.

As a figurative artist, Hofmann focuses on creating emotion and atmosphere. His characters often serve as conduits for larger existential questions and human stories, drawing the viewer into a visual dialogue. His works not only represent the figures and forms he paints, but they also embody the narratives and reflections he gathers from life itself.