Mater Profana (Defiguration) 1969

Asger Jorn’s 1969 painting “Mater Profana (Defiguration)” depicts a distorted and fragmented image of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, referencing traditional religious iconography. Jorn's distinctive "materialist" style uses a dynamic interplay of bold colors, thick impasto, and fragmented imagery, creating a chaotic and unsettling atmosphere. The artist's use of collage and assemblage techniques, evident in the layered and textured surfaces, further contribute to the sense of fragmentation and disruption. "Mater Profana (Defiguration)" reflects Jorn's interest in challenging traditional artistic conventions and societal norms.