Artists

Rasmus Nilausen

Rasmus Nilausen is a painter whose work explores the complex relationship between language, identity, and art. Fluent in English, Spanish, Catalan, and Danish, Nilausen often feels that he belongs to none of them, describing this multilingual reality as leaving him with "no identity at all." For him, painting offers a way to transcend the limitations of traditional language, allowing him to communicate in a "wordless" form where he creates the rules. Nilausen’s practice is rooted in the belief that painting itself is an autonomous language—one that actively involves the viewer. Instead of using text directly, he often incorporates symbols, leaving space for personal interpretation. This approach fosters a visual dialogue between artist and viewer, where the meaning of the work is shaped as much by the audience’s experiences as by Nilausen’s intentions. His work is also deeply influenced by art history, which informs his inner world and creative process. Artists like René Daniëls, Philip Guston, and Walter Swennen have shaped his understanding of reference, showing him that an artist’s work can not only draw from external sources but also reference itself. This self-referential element allows his paintings to exist in conversation with his earlier works, creating layers of meaning. Having spent much of his life away from Denmark, Nilausen is particularly attuned to the concept of translation—not just in language but in how art communicates across cultural and personal boundaries. His paintings reflect this fluidity, where symbols take the place of words and invite the viewer to create their own narratives, fostering a deeply personal connection with the work. For Nilausen, it is this attitude towards the process of making art that defines his approach, where ambiguity and personal interpretation are not only welcome but essential.