Karel Appel

Karel Appel (1921–2006) was a Dutch painter, sculptor, and graphic artist known for his bold colors and expressive, spontaneous style. Born in Amsterdam, he studied at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten and co-founded the avant-garde CoBrA movement in 1948. His energetic, raw approach to painting was influenced by children’s drawings and folk art. Appel’s work has been exhibited in major institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. In 1990, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York held a significant retrospective of his work. He also created large-scale murals and sculptures, further cementing his impact on postwar European art. His work continues to be celebrated for its dynamic and rebellious spirit. Appel remained active as an artist until his passing in 2006.