Steen Ipsen is renowned for his exploration of various themes related to form, composition and spatial context. He uses circular, elliptical, and biomorphic shapes to create complex and refined structures that reveal his methodical approach. His ellipse sculptures are accented with interwoven strands of PVC, which gives them an optical expression of surging movement. The monochromatic organic pieces are created intuitively, and each piece contains volumes within volumes.
Despite the influence of computer-driven 3D modelling, Ipsen works deliberately low-tech, laboriously hand-modelling and assembling his pieces from the initial stages. His pieces seem to be floating or undulating upward, appearing to defy gravity, and negative space is also paramount. Ipsen constantly adds to his vocabulary of forms and over the past 3 decades the work has amplified the scale, complexity, and ambition. His longstanding oeuvre constantly matures without losing intensity or sense of play.
Steen Ipsen studied at The Royal Danish Academy, School of Design and Kolding Design School from 1984-1990. He was appointed Head of the Ceramics and Glass Department at The Royal Danish Academy, School of Design in 1996, a position he held through 2004. Ipsen is a co-founder of the artist-run exhibition platform, Copenhagen Ceramics (CC), launched in 2012. His work has been exhibited widely, including numerous international solo presentations, and is in the collections of Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, France; Victoria & Albert Museum, London, UK; Design Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark; CLAY Museum, Middelfart, Denmark; Hetjens Museum, Düsseldorf, Germany; Trapholt Art Museum, Kolding, Denmark; Höganäs Museum, Sweden; Musée de Sèvres, Paris, France; Musée Magnelli, Vallauris, France; and Icheon World Ceramic Center, South Korea, among others.