Article Tag: artist

In-depth interview explores the roots of Viggo Mortensen's art, poetry, music, and publishing. The interviewer and Viggo talk about the scene at Beyond Baroque and other Venice venues in the 1980s, where he says, "musicians and poets mixed freely and performed together," his art exhibitions at LA galleries, and about the genesis and current activities of Perceval Press. And of course he is still creating, writing poetry, reverting to film photography, and writing the screenplay for Falling.

Captivating interview with Viggo covers Jauja, his preparation and work as an actor, family, Perceval Press, and activism. Interviewer Alice Fisher concludes: "Whether he’s stumbling through a desert looking for life’s answers, bringing his own tea set to an interview or flying across the country for a 20-minute chat, the man knows what he wants.”

Holly Millea catches Viggo Mortensen in a silly mood, sharing vivid dreams, playing the piano, bearing gifts published by Perceval Press. They talk about his childhood, travel, and relationships. About The Road, he says, "Even if you haven't read the book, you have the gut feeling that it's probably not going to end well." Millea also shares quotes from several of Viggo's co-stars.

Article on small independent presses includes a description of the output of Viggo Mortensen's Perceval Press and some speculation on its focus. Viggo is quoted as saying, "Perhaps the attention derived from the publication of Twilight of Empire: Responses to Occupation has given some people the mistaken impression that we concentrate on overtly 'political' or 'progressive' material." He goes on to state that Perceval "will remain open to publishing new and different material as well as points of view."

Several of Viggo Mortensen's photographs from the filming of LOTR.

Interview with Viggo Mortensen about Hidalgo, horses, poetry, the ephemeral nature of fame, and kindness. Excerpt: "Be kind. It’s worthwhile to make an effort to learn about other people and figure out what you might have in common with them."

This photo essay, featuring self portraits and other works by Viggo Mortensen, celebrates Mortensen's ability and willingness to "translate [his] dreams and hopes into thoughts, ideas and actions." The author goes on to say that "as an artist he takes the time to look carefully at the world around him. The moments he captures are based on lived experiences."

Extensive interview and article about Viggo's films, art, music, life. Great quotes from Dennis Hopper, Diane Lane, art dealer Robert Mann, and several others Viggo has worked with. Photographs (including cover) by Bruce Weber, plus several from his childhood.

In an exclusive interview, Viggo Mortensen, who plays Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, talks about Miyelo and his other photography, his indie publishing house, and why Bush will go down in history as the Sauron of American presidents. Some of the most extensive political statements we have seen from Viggo.

Interview with Viggo Mortensen about his art and music touches on 45301, The Other Parade, and upcoming works. He also talks about the purpose and future of Perceval Press. When asked how his photography and music differ for him, he answers: "There is no difference between these art forms, as long as one follows one's own path. The results are often surprising and usually fulfilling. It is a process that justifies itself by virtue of its exploratory nature. If communication with others is also achieved, it is an extra, unexpected gift."

Interview at Viggo's photography exhibition in Odense focuses on his work. Many comments from Viggo on his approach and philosophy, such as, "I think I take photos to make sure that I notice things. Some things you remember many years from now—without knowing why. And everybody remembers differently. Our pictures of the same event will be different from each other."

Viggo Mortensen talks about his priorities and how he makes time for his poetry and art while on a busy movie set. "For example, if you have a one-hour lunch break during shooting... you know it is better to have a nap if your body is very tired but in my case, I spent my time writing poems or painting. If I do so, my head can rest better." Illustrated with several of Viggo's photographs.

Describes an art show, poetry reading, and screening of The Fellowship of the Ring at St. Lawrence University, and the challenges related to Viggo's burgeoning popularity.

Tom Roston spent two days driving from Montana to Idaho with Viggo Mortensen and his son Henry. The resulting article includes conversations on LOTR, fame, commitment, exhaustion, sex appeal, eating roadkill, and philosophy. "You know, there are freakish and unexpected events that make up our lives. You have to be open to suffering a little."

It was only tabloid gossip, but relatives in Denmark rejoiced when they read that Viggo Mortensen was dating his A Perfect Murder costar Gwyneth Paltrow a few years back. "Maybe she'll make you pay more attention to your own grooming," they told him. Not a chance. The Manhattan-born actor ... prefers painting ... to primping.

A report from the opening reception for Signlanguage at the Track 16 Gallery, 2-Feb-2002. The reporter includes perspectives from Viggo, Dennis Hopper, Elijah Wood, and Dominic Monaghan in addition to her own descriptions of and reactions to the work.

"If one day he should abandon the movie business he wouldn't be too upset. Viggo Mortensen tell Ciak how painting, taking photographs or making music are the most stimulating passions in his life."

After discussing his art and acting career, Viggo talks about The Lord of the Rings--book and movies. "In this movie, I had three directors: Tolkien, Peter Jackson and, of course, my own conscience. Tolkien and Jackson are different media, different men, but I've worked for both of them. While the first was very interested in exploring codes, poetry, history, the second is a film maker who likes entertainment, and that's why he centered his work more in the action episodes than in the reflective ones." He continues, "I found my strongest link to this author when I got to know the tongues, the languages that he made up for each race. That is why I miss certain things from the book, like some of the songs and above all, the languages that were born of this incredible man."

Viggo Mortensen arrives on time at the touristy Chart House restaurant off L.A.’s Pacific Coast Highway. His cheeks are pink from sunburn; his hair is slicked-back and wet. He has the relaxed air of someone who has spent the day outdoors being reminded of life’s immensities—the sea, the desert—and is relieved to have been reminded. […]

"Brooding cinematic presence, Viggo Mortensen has skirted the fringes of stardom for over a decade. But as Aragorn, the sensitive action hero of The Lord of the Rings, this actor/artist is set to inherit his rightful crown."