THANATOS (2018) Painting by Karls

Karls, a contemporary French painter, embarked on his artistic journey with a focus on figurative art, particularly portraiture. However, he soon came to realize that strict representation posed limitations to his self-expression. In his quest for liberation, Karls discovered lyrical abstraction, a style that granted him the freedom to express his emotional impulses directly onto the canvas.

Dubbed by art critic José Marchand and painter Georges Mathieu, this new pictorial language broke away from traditional art historical references, emphasizing the raw and immediate expression of emotion.

What sets Karls apart is his fervent desire to establish a tangible connection between the audience and his art. Through his performances, he places spectators not only as observers of the finished work but as witnesses to the entire creative process. Audience members become active participants, immersing themselves in the intimate act of artistic creation.

Karls rejects the notion of the solitary artist as the sole origin of creativity. Instead, he embraces the collective energy of the audience, positioning himself at the center of a dynamic interplay of forces that shape his artistic vision. His works emerge from a chaotic yet purposeful process, where backgrounds are imbued with both tragic depth and the initial spark of the first brushstroke.

Performing amidst such intensity demands humility, as Karls sees himself as merely a conduit for the vast energies at play. Since 2010, he has showcased his art in 30 public paintings, including remarkable pieces such as "Stones in Lights at the Château de Carneville," an exceptional 12-meter by 7-meter canvas in 2019, and "The Wrath of Xinthia" (600×275) in Cognac in 2011.

Among his notable creations are "Interculturalités" (420×200) in Beirut in 2012, "Scriptura" (300×150) at the Automobile Club de France in Paris in 2012, and "Homage to the victims of the Shoah" (500×200) in Troyes in 2014.

Karls has also pushed the boundaries of his art with monumental works such as a 6-meter canvas at the Madeleine church in Paris in May 2015 and a 5-meter canvas at the Club Haussmann in Paris in May 2016. Additionally, he ventured into digital art with a 6-meter digital canvas at the Palais d'Iéna in Paris in November 2016, showcasing his versatility and innovative spirit.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1971
• Artistic domains: Works by artists with a certified artist value, Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Certified Artists Professional Artist Contemporary French Artists