Skauen is interested in depicting the absurdity in humanity and the notion of redemption. His work comments on the weaknesses of man, and questions the phenomenon of war and ritualistic group behaviour. His large-scale pencil drawings are epic in scale and, with Boschean scope, portray a human frivolity that is at once base and beautiful.
Skauen represents a new generation of Nordic artists whose particular sense of humour and expression is engaging in its bleak celebration of humanity’s foibles.

The Polar-Bear Split, (A Handmade Musical), 2006
Pencil on paper, 70 x 600 cms (27 ½ x 236 inches)
DVD, duration 6 minutes


This 6 meter long drawing is based on the civilization of the New World. It is a charged map of humanity at its most unhinged, dealing irreverently with the subject of fanaticism and how it manifests itself in religion, sex and youth culture.
The subject matter is politically charged, but Skauen manages to avoid self-righteousness and inject humour into what is otherwise a morally desolate portrait of civilization

Skauen has filmed the drawing, which he refers to as a ‘script’, and specifically composed music with his band Det Svenska Folket, to accompany the film. The camera sweeps over and settles on Skauens’ detailed depictions of manic people and hybrid creatures, pulling the viewer into an, often, uncomfortable encounter with the darker sides of humanity. The drama, pathos and detail of the drawing are exaggerated by the motion and focus of the camera and the charismatic soundtrack.

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Laura Bartlett
 
work