“When I paint, having obtained the right attitude and inspiration on the right moment, the act of painting converts in a state of being.”

Karel Stoop is an internationally recognized artist whose work is defined by a dynamic interplay of energy, movement, and transformation. Born in the south of The Netherlands into a family rich with artistic tradition, Stoop was introduced to painting at a young age, laying the foundation for a lifelong exploration of visual expression. His academic training in The Netherlands, followed by studies in multimedia at the university in Barcelona, provided him with both technical mastery and a spirit of experimentation that continues to shape his evolving practice.

Stoop’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with his extensive travels across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, the United States, and throughout Europe. These journeys have not only broadened his perspective but have also infused his work with a unique visual vocabulary, drawing on diverse cultural influences and experiences. Living for extended periods in Amsterdam, Ibiza, and Barcelona, he has absorbed the creative energies of these vibrant cities, each leaving a distinct mark on his approach to abstraction and composition.

Throughout his career, Stoop has exhibited widely, with solo and group exhibitions in major cities across Europe and beyond. His paintings have been acquired by both private collectors and public institutions, and his work is represented in museum collections, underscoring his international reputation and the universal resonance of his art.

Currently, Stoop lives and works in Tarragona, Spain, where his studio serves as both a sanctuary for introspection and a laboratory for artistic experimentation. The studio’s atmosphere—bathed in Mediterranean light and surrounded by the historic textures of the city—provides an ideal setting for his meditative and performative approach to painting. Here, he employs oils, pigments, and industrial tools to create layered, abstract compositions that reflect his fascination with the universe and the awareness of being alive.

Stoop’s process is intuitive and emotionally driven, often beginning with a state of contemplation that allows inspiration to emerge organically. He views painting as a state of being—a transformative act that transcends rationality and invites the viewer into new dimensions of perception. His works evoke sensations of energy, chaos, and renewal, encouraging each viewer to discover their own meanings and emotional responses.

For Karel Stoop, art is both a personal journey and a universal invitation: a way to express the complexities of existence, to connect with others across boundaries, and to continually rediscover the self through the act of creation.