Peter Harley-Jensen (1946-2023) was born in Denmark and arrived in Australia in 1980, settling in Adelaide in the mid nineties. Peter was a trained artist and screen printer, having been involved in printing for some of the biggest names in Scandinavian modern art, including the acclaimed landscape artist Johannes Hofmeister, who he regarded as a major influence. It was this collaborative work that inspired Peter to pursue his own career as a painter.

His self-described ‘Scandinavian style of painting’ developed from experimentation with different styles and materials, including acrylic and bitumen on canvas. There is an unsettling tension in some of Peter’s work, with tall houses looming above shrouded figures, adding a sense of mystery. Peter combines elements of the harsh Australian environment with his Scandinavian heritage to bring us original images of a hybrid identity.

*Obituary*

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of much loved artist Peter Harley Jensen. Peter passed away at home on 30th January 2023, after a long illness.

Peter was born in Denmark and moved to Australia in 1980, and it was his love of both of these countries that sparked his celebrated hybrid landscape series that dominated his work for many years.

He found painting a joy and never pursued it for any other reason other than the simple pleasure and fulfilment that it brought to him. He was modest and genuine and was always a pleasure to work with.

He has had many fans and collectors through the gallery since we first exhibited his work in 2008 and will be greatly missed by us all.