Karmen Kozar grew up between the Mediterranean coasts and the Pannonian plain of Croatia, as well as the alpine regions and their foothills in Germany. Her enthusiasm for nature and its phenomena in the changing elements persists to this day and forms the basis for a multifaceted and constantly evolving artistic exploration. This is evident primarily in painting and drawing but also installation and sculpture, as well as innovative art projects as aesthetic expressions. Kozar sees herself as a mediator between the worlds of natural phenomena, intertwining them with the atmosphere of human emotions, giving rise to a unique mystique.
Since 2014 Karmen Kozar’s artistic journey has been shaped by intensive training under the guidance of renowned artists. She underwent artistic education with Siegfried Anzinger and Giuseppe Donnaloia to sharpen her skills and expand her artistic vision. Her dedication to continuous growth led her to pursue a comprehensive study of drawing and painting in the master class of Markus Lüpertz, a journey she continues until 2023. Currently, under the mentorship of Alexander Knych and Markus Lüpertz, she is dedicated to sculptural art.
Karmen has been working since 2020 with various forms of natural aesthetics as a means of artistic expression. A distinctive feature of painting and artistic practice lies in the use of pigments, which she carefully creates from plants, soils and minerals. The process of color creation and the resulting pigment itself are viewed by Kozar as independent works of art. This commitment to historic craftsmanship gives her creations a unique, organic dimension and connects her art to the elements that inspire her.
Her studios in Esslingen, Germany, and Pozega, Croatia, serve as the birthplaces for her diverse bodies of work. Kozar’s images can be assembled like a mosaic, yet they also stand individually with their own legitimacy and completeness. Her works, often dreamlike and transcending the boundaries between fiction and reality, deconstruct recognizable forms and follow their own dynamics. Color worlds from the entire spectrum resonate with the viewer. Lines become sculptures, and the use of color is consistent and unconditional.
Beyond her individual artistic endeavors, Karmen Kozar advocates for art in public spaces. Her initiation of happenings and art projects reflects a commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting communication through art. The concept she introduced becomes a collaborative action, with interaction with participants turning into a living artwork—a phenomenon she refers to as the “beauty barrier.”
Her works have been represented internationally in exhibitions and fairs in cities such as Berlin, Cologne, Madrid, Miami, Limassol, and Zagreb and are highly popular in private collections.
“The fulfillment in my art lies in the freedom I feel as my creative process unfolds.”