K. T. Kobel, born in 1988 in the UK and currently residing in Amsterdam, NL, is a figurative painter whose work is deeply embedded in the exploration of the human condition, particularly the psychological impact of trauma. Kobel's artistic inquiry is marked by a deliberate use of visual obscurity and concealed meanings, aiming to provide coherence and a sense of closure to the often chaotic and disordered experiences stemming from trauma. Kobel crafts his pieces by isolating moments in time, stripping them of their original context to imbue them with a new, profound significance. This process transforms these instances into powerful symbols of the elusive nature of memory, making his works resonate emotionally and intellectually with the viewer. The use of airbrushing in his technique lends a soft, ethereal quality to his paintings, enhancing their dreamlike and sometimes foreboding atmosphere. These scenes frequently navigate the liminal spaces between the mundane and the absurd, challenging viewers to reconsider the demarcations of their own realities.
A recurring motif in Kobel’s work is the theatrical curtain, which serves multiple symbolic functions. It introduces an element of doubt regarding the authenticity of the scenes depicted and offers an alternative narrative to the viewer. This theatricality underscores the performative aspects of memory and perception, acting as a barrier that both reveals and conceals, mirroring the complex nature of recalling traumatic experiences. The curtain becomes a metaphorical veil, shielding the raw truth behind it and preventing the full materialization of memory. Through this nuanced visual language, Kobel invites viewers into a contemplative dialogue on the nature of memory, trauma, and the constructs that define our understanding of reality.