Odd Nerdrum: “Pupils of Apelles” and the Crime of Art

Artist Odd Nerdrum is controversial and influential, and his show at Copro Gallery opening Saturday November 15 featuring new works, may be his last in a very long time. The Swedish-born, Norwegian-based painter, who draws on classical imagery and has a worldwide following, was  convicted of tax evasion in Norway. During his  two year and ten month prison sentence the 68-year old artist is forbidden to paint. That’s true cruelty for an artist, but the Norwegian court feels that art, a means of Nerdrum’s self-expression, is a commercial venture, and thus forbidden.

Showing with Nerdrum will be three of his students, Luke Hillestad, Caleb Knodell and David Molesky, who paint in the “Nerdrum School” or style, which draws on the use of light and classical imagery. The title of the exhibition, “Pupils of Apelles” refers to Alexander the Great’s favorite painter, Apelles, who for 2,000 years was considered the world’s greatest artists and whose use of light and texture influenced the Renaissance Masters.

“Pupils of Apelles” opens November 15 with an artist reception from 8pm to 11pm, and hangs through December 6, 2014.

Copro Gallery
Bergamot Statiom
2525 Michigan Ave., T-5
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Open Wednesday through Saturday, 1pm to 6pm

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