Morten Løbner Espersen

Born in Aalborg, Denmark in 1965


Lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark

Morten Løbner Espersen has brought a new energy to the tradition of ceramics through a 20-year exploration of his object of choice, the vessel. He focuses on the simplicity of the form through variations of this archetype that balance opposing principles: simple shapes and complex surfaces, or complex shapes and simple surfaces. Whether his vessel is of modest, cylindrical nature or a chaotic, writhing mass of layered glazes, Espersen strives to create a quality in glazing comparable to geological happenstance. Likened to the frothy, volcanic surfaces of Lucie Rie’s stoneware, the organic and protruding forms of Axel Salto’s “budding” vases, and a Patrick Nordstom brilliance in glazing, Espersen’s clay forms exercise the full potential of his self-imposed neutral starting point. 

Espersen is one of the most successful Danish ceramists of his generation. His work is currently held in major museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, National Museum in Stockholm, National Public Art Council in Sweden, and Design Museum in Copenhagen.