Artist in conversation: Karl Pont

The most valuable gift an artist can receive from their audience is the time that viewers are willing to spend observing and experiencing the art

The multi-award-winning artist is distinguished by a wide variety of techniques. The artistic range spans from painting, drawings, sculptures, installations, and photography to performance.

The artworks displayed are representations of sensations, mixed with feelings and impressions. The artist clarifies these forms and colours so that they become visible to others. From inconspicuous things emerge faces, animals, people, and shapes, which thus become evident to the viewer. The objects, which suddenly are no longer inconspicuous but on the contrary, also evoke the emotional moods in others that the artist has felt.

The artist reveals the beauty of the inconspicuous. The moment that Karl Pont captures for the viewer, which would otherwise be lost. His art deals with the freedom, the vastness that is reflected in the loss of boundaries. Free from societal constraints, free from pain, an escape from the clockwork of existence. Indeed, it is the longing for stillness, inner balance, and tranquility within oneself, which is also a recurring theme that moves the artist.

| Website | Instagram |

What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?

From a young age, I’ve been engaged in artistic activities. After school, I would often go to the art gallery, where I spent a great deal of my time. There, I painted, drew, did my homework, and supervised the exhibitions. For me, art is a way to convey inner sensations, feelings, and moods to the viewer. I use colors to show the world as I see it and to capture moments for the viewer. Art also allows me to make the inconspicuous and imperceptible visible to others. My style developed through these experiences and my constant engagement with art and its diversity.

In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?

I find my inspiration in nature, which is a source of fascinating forms and shapes. Often, it is the inconspicuous details along the wayside that hold immense expressive power, yet many overlook them. I frequently spend time by Lake Constance or in the mountains, allowing the environment to influence me. Nature has a calming and inspiring effect; it helps me forget the mundane aspects of daily life. My works are infused with mythological elements, such as the river Styx and the ferryman Charon, which are also central themes in the novel I am currently working on. Each artwork contains multiple layers: some are immediately apparent, while others reveal themselves only through closer examination and engagement. A fascination with other cultures also shapes my creative output. In the performance that will be presented next week in Austria, numerous elements of Japanese Noh theatre are incorporated. On my travels, I have always embraced a piece of the local culture, integrating it into my work. The divine also plays a significant role in many of my pieces. Faith provides support during difficult times and leads us to brighter moments. This complex amalgamation of nature, mythology, cultural diversity, and spirituality gives my works a profound dimension and a unique expressive strength.

Performance art is also listed among your artistic endeavors. How does this medium complement or expand upon your other forms of expression?

During my studies in Marburg an der Lahn, I had the privilege of being a member of a theater group. We performed plays like ’’Pygmalion’’ and ’’My Fair Lady’’ and these experiences were incredibly educational for me. Theater and performance art significantly expand an artist’s means of expression. Facial expressions, gestures, speech, and movement allow for direct and immediate communication with the audience, which is often more demanding in terms of engagement and interpretation for sculptures, paintings, or photographs. Live performances pose a unique challenge for the artist, as they require immediate action without the lengthy preparation possible in a studio. The art is created in the moment of the performance, in direct interaction with the audience. This immediacy and the shared experience make performance art an exciting and dynamic form of artistic expression.

The audience’s role in interpreting and experiencing art is crucial. How do you hope viewers engage with and perceive your work?

My primary goal is to draw the attention of viewers to my artworks and encourage them to pause for a moment in front of them. I hope that the works stimulate the viewers’ imagination and evoke deep feelings and moods. The most valuable gift an artist can receive from their audience is the time that viewers are willing to spend observing and experiencing the art. These moments of interaction and emotional connection are crucial for the dynamic relationship between the artwork and the viewer.

Can you share a specific piece of artwork that holds special significance to you?

I value each of my artworks, but the ceramic sculpture ’’Phoenix from the Ashes’’ holds a special place in my heart. This sculpture symbolizes rebirth and the power of transformation. Majestically rising from dark, broken fragments, the phoenix, with its splendid wings bathed in glow and flame, exudes a powerful dynamism. Despite this energy, the sculpture conveys a calming serenity and sublimity. The skillful portrayal of forms and textures vividly brings to life the metaphor of the phoenix rising from its ashes. This artwork invites viewers to be inspired by its beauty and profound symbolism, and to find parallels to their own life stories of renewal and change.

How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?

I am always open to feedback, ideas, and advice, as they are essential for my artistic development. The pursuit of continuous progress is a central aspect of my work. My self-critical approach and aspiration for perfection drive me forward, and every type of critique helps me get loser to my goal of perfection. Engaging with other artists is invaluable to me. Each artist brings their own vision and artistic diversity, from which I can constantly learn. Recognizing and utilizing this diversity is a crucial factor in my creative process.

How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?

My mind is constantly bubbling with new ideas, just waiting to be brought to life. Realizing each idea fills me with deep satisfaction and relief. I view setbacks as necessary steps in my personal and artistic development. It’s crucial not just to dream, but to boldly live out those dreams and always reach for the stars. This pursuit not only fulfills my own ambitions but also serves as inspiration for others.

How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?

I deeply value every opportunity to present my art to an international audience. It is very important to me to have a global presence as an artist. The Holy Art Gallery plays a crucial role in this by providing comprehensive support to artists. The gallery staff facilitate many processes, from the logistics of shipping artworks and handling any inquiries to organizing the opening reception and coordinating media efforts. This support allows me to focus more intensely on the creative process.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?

My goal is to bring to life the multitude of ideas I have. This year, I aim to complete my work on the novel ‘‘Yellow Submarine’’ which explores the protagonist’s breakdown of everyday life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, numerous international exhibitions are planned, through which I intend to share my artistic vision with a broader audience. Another central aspect of my work is supporting various charitable projects. This commitment is particularly important to me, and I plan to expand it further in the future.

What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your drawings?

My artworks are profound representations of my inner world, shaped by my emotions and feelings, which significantly guide the creative process and determine the final outcome. By offering viewers a glimpse into my inner emotional landscape, I invite them to become part of my experiences. The true artistry lies in not only capturing the viewer’s attention but also taking them on an emotional journey through my world, deeply moving them.




Previous
Previous

Artist in conversation: Marc Noël

Next
Next

Artist in conversation: Viviane Lawson