Jan Karpíšek is a Czech artist whose work explores the deep connections between humanity, nature, and spirituality. His paintings often blend natural forms with archetypal symbols, offering quiet reflections on existence and the balance of life. He also delves into introspective themes, such as the borders of the Self and the flow of time, using his art as a way to contemplate these universal questions. Karpíšek’s creative approach includes working with natural elements, such as bees, whose interactions with his art symbolize harmony and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Born in 1981 in Jihlava, Czech Republic, Karpíšek graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Brno. Alongside his art, he has practiced meditation for many years, with a focus on zazen, which has significantly shaped his perspective on mindfulness and presence in both life and creativity. Beyond painting, he is an active beekeeper, performer, and environmental advocate. His performances often explore ecological topics, such as his purification ritual with biochar in Graz, Austria, as part of the Second Cities group project. Using biochar—a material made from organic waste or biomass through pyrolysis—he presented an artistic response to ecological and personal crises.
His love for gardening and trees further grounds his artistic vision, inspiring a focus on the resilience of nature. Exhibited across Europe, Karpíšek’s work reflects a thoughtful search for creative and ecological responses to contemporary challenges, inviting viewers to consider their relationship with the world around them.