Tor’s artwork is inspired by film making processes in which a scene is defined by a camera frame enclosing environments, objects/props that viewers mentally and occasionally physically interact with. His disturbing and surreal creations are infused with a sense of lost history, changing social/philosophical values as well as well as darker subconscious themes.
His recent work is based on the enclosed vitrine, reminiscent of a C18 Kunstkabinett (Cabinet of Wonder). In these museum style specimen cabinets a combination of organic and human-made materials are combined to evoke a psychological reaction in the viewer.
When we look into the world created in a cabinet we make our own connections and assumptions based on personal histories and knowledge of the world. He speaks about his work as originating from an interest in creating objects, environments and spaces that pose questions that don’t always have comfortable answers.

Bio

Tor Larsen took a round-about path to the world of small sculpture and box art.

Starting with industrial design at Sydney College of the Arts in the 1980’s, he moved onto model making, film art direction, visual effects and eventually film and TV commercial production. Tor takes much of his visual inspiration from the cinematic/theatrical traditions, heavily influenced by a long-standing interest in jewellery, prop making, set design and construction and kinetic mechanical assemblages.

A recent return to academia has added additional philosophical, political, social and economic layers to his work encouraging him to explore historical moments and contemporary topical issues through a range of satirical, humorous and occasionally dystopic metaphors, symbolism and more direct references.

The choice of materials has always been important for Tor. His preference for found and recycled materials and objects, each imbued with its own history, is crucial to his conceptual development process, often informing the construction, ultimate shape and meaning in a given work.

The other important aspect of the creative process for Tor is the juxtaposition of unlikely materials, objects and ideas as a means of stimulating thought and emotional responses in the viewer. Sometimes effected through mechanical interaction with a work where the viewer becomes part of the process of its realisation.

Tor has a studio in Marrickville in Sydney.