Skip to content

Jan Senbergs

Jan Senbergs (1939-2024) was an Australian artist and printmaker renowned for his expressive depictions of industrial landscapes and urban environments. His work, spanning over five decades, reflects a profound engagement with themes of human endeavour and the natural world.

Table of Contents

Teaching Resources for Jan Senbergs (paid plans only)

Art Minute

audio-thumbnail
Art Minute: Jan Senbergs
0:00
/74.952

Drawing

Title: Jan Senbergs - Drawing
Duration: 20:00
Year: 2020
Director/DOP: Peter M Lamont
Music: Stephen Magnussen, Lachlan Davidson, Peter M Lamont
Camera: Sony F3

About Jan Senbergs

Early Life and Background
Born in Latvia in 1939, Jan Senbergs and his family were displaced during World War II, eventually migrating to Australia in 1950. Settling in Melbourne, the young Senbergs was exposed to the city's industrial landscapes, which would later become a central theme in his artwork.

Artistic Development and Education
Senbergs attended Richmond Technical School, where he studied technical and free drawing. At 15, he began an apprenticeship in silkscreen printing, a skill that significantly influenced his early artistic practice. His proficiency in printmaking laid the foundation for his transition into painting and drawing, allowing him to explore various mediums throughout his career.

Major Works and Exhibitions
Throughout his career, Senbergs produced a vast body of work, including notable pieces such as "Altered Parliament House 1" (1976) and "Kitchen at Smacka's" (1976). He represented Australia at the São Paulo Biennale in 1973 and was commissioned to create a large-scale mural for the High Court of Australia in Canberra in 1980. In 2016, the National Gallery of Victoria held a comprehensive retrospective titled "Jan Senbergs: Observation–Imagination," showcasing over 120 works from his extensive oeuvre.

Style and Technique
Senbergs' art is characterised by a humanist vision and a finely-honed sense of the absurd. His works often depict industrial cityscapes, ports, and natural landscapes, employing a blend of figuration, surrealism, expressionism, and abstraction. His technical skills in silkscreen printing informed his approach to painting and drawing, resulting in a distinctive style that captures the complexity of human interaction with the environment.

Legacy and Influence
Senbergs' contributions to Australian art are significant, with his works held in major institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia and all state galleries. Internationally, his art is included in collections like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Gallery in Washington D.C. His exploration of industrial and urban themes has influenced subsequent generations of artists, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in contemporary Australian art.

References

  1. Jan Senbergs - Wikipedia
  2. Jan Senbergs: Observation–Imagination | NGV
  3. Biography – Jan Senbergs

Teaching Resources

Latest

Art... in-person

Art... in-person

The Affordable Art Fair is a glorious art bazaar that's making art accessible to everyone. The fair is also a haven for living artists and a direct rebellion against soulless, AI-generated art, creating a vital on-ramp for new collectors.

Members Public
Blow & Epoch: A Dialogue in Art at the Lyon Housemuseum
Art

Blow & Epoch: A Dialogue in Art at the Lyon Housemuseum

Step into the Lyon Housemuseum for a unique exhibition featuring Christopher Langton's bold sculptures and Ry David Bradley's hybrid paintings. Explore how these Australian artists challenge perceptions of reality and art, all within a visionary home turned public gallery.

Members Public
Still Life Reimagined at the STILL Award 2025

Still Life Reimagined at the STILL Award 2025

The art world is abuzz with the STILL: National Still Life Award 2025. This prestigious prize, hosted by Yarrila Arts and Museum, showcases how artists are radically reinventing still life.

Members Public
The Unfurling Triumph of Bronwyn Oliver's 'Tide'

The Unfurling Triumph of Bronwyn Oliver's 'Tide'

Bronwyn Oliver's magnificent 'Tide' just set a new record for Australian sculpture, selling for $1.25M This powerful work, once gracing Sydney's Quay restaurant, affirms Oliver's enduring legacy as a visionary artist.

Members Public