Dirk Filarski

Dirk Filarski (1885–1964) was a painter associated with the Bergen School, but above all an artist who followed his own artistic path. Over the Top! presents more than seventy works by Filarski, from his first visits to Bergen to his many travels across Europe. It offers an overview of fifty years of artistic practice, including works that have not been shown before, such as woodcuts and linocuts.

In the early 20th century, Filarski traveled several times through Switzerland, where he was inspired by the mountainous landscape. During his first journey, he painted the mountains in soft hues with short brushstrokes, emphasising the play of light. After the First World War, his work changed: the short pastel-coloured brushstrokes gave way to stronger, broader strokes that followed the contours of the mountains. His use of colour became more expressive and contrasting. His inner experience of the landscape found its way into his paintings.

Cover image: Dirk Filarski, View of the Uri Rotstock, 1917 | collection Singer Laren