Spotlight Artist

Jelbert Karami

Pacific Coast
Artist profile photo

Guard

Abstract painting of a figure in a gas mask and red clothing holding a child with angel wings.

acrylic and spray paint on canvas

Kiss Me

Woman holding perfume bottles, face obscured by red paint, graffiti text background.

acrylic and spray paint on canvas

Untitled

Figure draped in red striped cloth, yellow abstract floral background with black paint drips.

mixed-media

Featured in New American Paintings1 / 3

Artist Statement

 If I must tell you about my paintings and their subjects, I cannot describe to you the feeling I have when I am creating them. However, instead, I am asking you to look at them deeply so you could discover for yourself a new, unique feeling. I do not want them to have labels. I do not desire to give you details about them like a peeled orange that is ready to be eaten—because you must peel the orange yourself to experience that special taste and feeling behind it.

Humans take an intuitive form in my work, but for me the hidden sorrows and darkness inside each person is revealed by each touch of a brush. I once thought there was some room for freedom, but now I am very unsure. I only know that we are like no choice that has been crucified in our own time, and I portray this image in my work not only because there is a way to be saved, but for it to be expressed.

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