Karl Lagasse, born on April 4, 1981, in Paris, is a French artist renowned for his innovative work in sculpture, painting, installation, and photography. Notable for creating the striking One Dollar sculpture, Lagasse also designed the trophy for the 43rd edition of the Deauville American Film Festival. With a creative approach that blends provocation and aesthetics, Lagasse stands out as a significant figure in the contemporary French art scene.
Artist Biography: Karl Lagasse
Karl Lagasse, born on April 4, 1981, in Paris, is a renowned French artist known for his innovative and impactful contributions to contemporary art. Lagasse first gained widespread acclaim in 2009 with his groundbreaking "One Dollar" creation, a series of artworks that rapidly established him as a prominent figure in the global art scene. His exceptional talent earned him a spot among the top 10 sculptor artists under 30 worldwide that same year. By 2012, Lagasse's work had captured the attention of the New York publication Farameh, which featured him in the book FOR WHICH IT STANDS: Americana in Contemporary Art. This recognition highlighted him as one of the fifty most influential contemporary artists drawing inspiration from traditional American icons. In 2016, Lagasse's bronze "One Dollar" sculpture, measuring two meters, was exhibited at the Art Paris Art Fair, where he received personal accolades from the President of the French Republic. His pieces have since become highly sought after in international auction houses and have been showcased in the prestigious Bel Air Fine Art gallery alongside luminaries such as Jeff Koons and Salvador Dalí since 2011.
Lagasse's collaboration with Maserati in 2014 marked a significant milestone in his career. He designed a special edition Maserati to commemorate the brand's 100th anniversary and the launch of the Ghibli model, unveiling his work at the Paris Art Fair. Beyond traditional gallery exhibitions, Lagasse's public installations have made a significant impact. He has erected statues promoting messages of peace and love in cities around the world. Notably, he was commissioned to design the trophies for the Deauville American Film Festival in both 2017 and 2020, presented to distinguished figures such as Johnny Depp and Morgan Freeman.
Today, Karl Lagasse's work is celebrated and continues to enrich collections, including those of prominent figures like Future and A$AP Ferg, affirming his status as a leading figure in the contemporary art landscape.
One Dollar Pink Shining (2023) by Karl Lagasse
Karl Lagasse, One Dollar Pink Shining, 2023. Sculpture, Aluminium on Aluminium, 45cm x 19cm / 3.00 kg.
Karl Lagasse’s sculpture, One Dollar Pink Shining, epitomizes his innovative approach to contemporary art through its striking use of lacquered aluminum. This 2023 piece, part of the Atelier USA collection, features a vibrant pink hue that contrasts with the sleek, silvery sheen of the aluminum, creating a dynamic visual impact. The sculpture, measuring 45x19 cm, is a testament to Lagasse’s mastery in using aluminum—a metal renowned for its malleability and reflective quality. Limited to just 33 pieces worldwide, One Dollar Pink Shining is a coveted item for collectors. Each piece is signed by the artist and comes with three certificates of authenticity: an author’s certificate signed by Karl Lagasse, a certificate from PODS GALLERY, and an authenticity certificate issued by Artmajeur. These certificates guarantee the originality and provenance of each sculpture. Sculpted from aluminum, which is both lightweight and durable, this artwork employs techniques such as modeling and assembly to create its distinct form. Sculpture as an artistic discipline involves crafting three-dimensional shapes that may be in the round, high relief, or low relief. In this work, Lagasse's use of direct carving and welding techniques highlights his skill in manipulating this versatile material to achieve a polished and refined aesthetic.
Iconic Artworks
One of his notable works is the Blockhaus de Bénerville, created in 2009. This powerful piece features a poignant anti-war message, painted on a blockhaus from World War II located on the beach in Bénerville. The artwork serves as a stark reminder of the past, recontextualized through Lagasse's contemporary artistic lens. The "Buildings" series of artworks represents a significant thematic exploration in Lagasse’s oeuvre. These totemic sculptures, inspired by the skyscrapers of New York City, symbolize his fascination with the United States and his personal quest for elevation and self-construction. Constructed from wood, glass, and cement, these sculptures incorporate photos from the artist’s travels, capturing moments of his encounters around the world. One of these works was prominently featured at the Cannes Film Festival to celebrate its 65th anniversary. Perhaps the most emblematic of Lagasse’s creations is the "One Dollar" series, introduced in 2009. This iconic artwork encapsulates the artist's exploration of the symbolic power and cultural significance of the dollar bill, famously inscribed with "In God We Trust." The series, which varies in size, shape, material, and color, has gained international acclaim. Notably, a 2-meter tall bronze version of the sculpture, weighing 500 kilograms, was famously targeted by thieves during an outdoor exhibition at the Bel-Air Fine Art gallery in Geneva.
Cryptogram One is another standout piece by Lagasse, characterized by its interactive and vertical design. Composed of intertwined letters and numbers, this artwork invites viewers to form words that evoke themes of peace and love. It is available in various materials and colors, further emphasizing Lagasse's commitment to engaging audiences through his work. In 2017, Karl Lagasse designed the "Trophy for the Deauville American Film Festival", marking the first time the festival commissioned an artist for this role since its inception in 1975. Inspired by "Cryptogram One," the trophy is crafted from cast aluminum and features letters forming words such as "Hope," "Wisdom," and "7th Art." Each piece involves 133 hours of meticulous work, and the trophy is presented alongside a bespoke leather bag designed by Lagasse, further personalizing the award for its distinguished recipients, including Woody Harrelson, Jeff Goldblum, and Laura Dern. Overall, Lagasse's artwork often explores themes of war, identity, and symbolism. His innovative use of materials and artistic vision have established him as a prominent figure in the contemporary art world. With his sculptures, collages, and edition works, Lagasse continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with his thought-provoking creations. Whether displayed in prestigious galleries or featured in high-profile auctions, Lagasse's artworks represent the intersection of talent, creativity, and cultural reflection.
Exhibition History
Karl Lagasse's career began early, with his first artwork sold at 15 in Antwerp in 1996. By 2003, he had his debut exhibition at Galerie Evertart in Paris, followed by Galerie Work Shop in Deauville in 2004. His reputation grew with exhibitions at Galerie Isy Brachot and Galerie Pascal Polar in Brussels in 2005 and 2006. In 2007, Lagasse's work was featured in a permanent exhibition at the Opera Gallery, with locations worldwide. The next year, he showcased at Espace Cardin in Paris and created the iconic "One Dollar" sculpture. This year also saw him exhibit at Galerie Olga London, Galerie Arty in Saint-Tropez, and Opus Galerie in Aix-en-Provence, as well as participating in "Art Elysées" and opening his "Workshop" in Deauville. In 2010, Lagasse created a sculpture for the World Equestrian Championships in Lexington, USA, and exhibited at Galerie Bel Air Fine Art in Milan, and events in Crans Montana and Verbier, Switzerland. The following year, he presented work at Galerie Caroline Bober and Galerie des Lices in Saint-Tropez, as well as at "Art Monaco," Galerie Mariegold Fine Art in India, and "Art Zurich" and "Art Elysées." In 2012, he created a sculpture for the 65th Cannes Film Festival and donated a bronze "Cryptogram One" to Deauville. Lagasse's collaboration with Maserati in 2014 resulted in an abstract artwork for the new Ghibli at the Art Paris Art Fair, followed by the "A Piece of Heaven on Earth" installation in 2015. He continued to make an impact in 2016 with exhibitions at Atrium Gallery in Marbella, Art Paris Art Fair, and Sm'art in Aix-en-Provence, and in 2017, he created the trophy for the 43rd Deauville American Film Festival.
Karl Lagasse, born on April 4, 1981, in Paris, is a celebrated French artist whose innovative work spans sculpture, painting, installation, and photography. His career gained momentum with the 2009 release of his iconic "One Dollar" sculpture, solidifying his presence in the international art scene. Lagasse’s creative vision, marked by a blend of provocation and aesthetics, extends to significant achievements and collaborations. His dynamic and impactful approach has led to numerous exhibitions worldwide, from Paris and Milan to Geneva and Mumbai. Today, Lagasse continues to captivate audiences and collectors alike, affirming his status as a leading figure in contemporary art.
Selena Mattei
