PER TELJER (SE)
Text written by GHA
Per Teljer works primarily with black and white, charcoal-acrylic drawings on small sheets of paper, presenting shocking and unorthodox images in a cartoon-like manner. His direct way of communicating questions the credibility and cruelty hidden under the mask of our contemporary society.
It seems that he has no sympathy for anyone, especially those who engage in immoral and abusive behaviour. His works have a documentary-like character, which is likely due to his experience with film and videography: in this way, the artist presents the absurd situations of his protagonists to the public.
Teljer combines his personal brand of black humour with off putting and horrendous visions of humanity. His previous work sought to catch his audience off-guard as he seemed to deliberately tease them with unexpected violence.
His recent series of portraits are less jarring, both in content and style, providing a lighter take on his themes of the ugliness of society, The charcoal strokes are less crude and the shading is also softer, with some delicate gradients. These compositions are by no means easy to digest pieces however, they reek of apathy and misfortune. The grim characters that occupy the space are all dealing with the weight of life by drinking, smoking, and wallowing in self-pity. Each portrait tells a different but similar story, inviting the viewer to speculate what possible backstory could lead the characters to this bar.
There is an underlying realism to the series despite the exaggerated features of the subjects, reminiscent of animations or book illustrations for children.
It doesn’t matter to him if religion, mental state or human stupidity is depicted and their evil inside unveiled. He gives a public face to the disturbing reality and leaves it to his audience to reflect, judge and react.
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Delirium tremens Be prepared
