Biography
Karel Appel (1921-2006) is a major figure in modern art, renowned for his colorful compositions and experimental approach to painting. Born in Amsterdam, this Dutch painter was one of the founding members of the CoBrA movement (Copenhagen, Brussels, Amsterdam), which had a profound influence on post-war art.
The beginnings of Karel Appel
Appel enrolled at the Amsterdam Academy of Fine Arts in the 1940s, where he discovered the works of modern masters such as Picasso and Matisse. His career took a decisive turn in 1948 when he co-founded CoBrA, an artists’ collective advocating spontaneity, free expression and a return to primitive forms.
Karel Appel’s style and approach
Renowned for his energetic style, Karel Appel uses vivid colors and thick textures to create works of raw expressivity. His paintings, sculptures and frescoes reflect his experimental approach to art, liberating painting from academic conventions. His mantra, “I paint like a barbarian in a barbarian age”, reveals the violent feelings the world inspires in him.
International recognition
Over the course of his career, Karel Appel has exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including MoMA in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Tate Modern in London. His works can be found in numerous public and private collections, consolidating his place in the history of contemporary art.
Karel Appel and the Spirit of CoBrA
Along with his contemporaries, Appel revolutionized European art by emphasizing imagination, raw energy and experimentation. The CoBrA movement remains a cornerstone of modern art, and Karel Appel is one of its most emblematic representatives.
Karel Appel’s legacy
Today, the works of Karel Appel continue to inspire and captivate art lovers. At Galerie Hurtebize, we are proud to present pieces by this visionary artist, embodying the vitality and boldness characteristic of his work.
Discover the works of Karel Appel at Galerie Hurtebize and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of an artist who left his mark on 20th-century art history.
