A Life Between Words and Walls
Karl Larsen moves between the quiet focus of a studio and the wide-open spaces of public streets. Based in Austin, Texas, and his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, his creative life began with the written word. In 2011, he released his literary publication, W a n t. This book marked a starting point for a period of intense visual activity that would soon follow.
His work often finds its way into the paths of people who are not looking for it. He draws much of his inspiration from the unexpected encounters found in graffiti and street art. By placing art in public view, he seeks to change how a person experiences a space as they walk through it. This approach has led him to create large-scale installations that invite the community to participate.
Public Spaces and Shared Moments
Some of his most recognizable projects are the Before I Die wall installations. These pieces were placed on Columbia’s Main Street in 2013 and along West Columbia’s Riverwalk in 2015. The Riverwalk project was particularly large, noted for being a massive interactive site for the public. These walls allowed passersby to leave their own marks and thoughts behind.
In 2016, he brought a different kind of energy to the city as the marquee artist for Columbia’s New Year. His installation, titled Channel-Surfing Couch Potatoes, used abstract forms to pay respect to various figures lost in the previous year, including musicians and athletes. This period of his work shows a deep connection to the local landscape and its people.
The Unrestricted Hand
In his studio, Larsen works with a "no rules" approach. He does not let preconceived notions guide his hand, allowing the creative process to dictate the final form. His practice is diverse, spanning several different disciplines:
- Abstract mixed media paintings
- Sculpture and design
- Murals and public art installations
- Fashion and publishing
His collections, such as O D O M E T E R from 2017 and Untethered from 2018, reflect a focus on abstract landscapes and mixed media. He uses bright colors and the placement of inanimate objects to create layers of meaning. His recent mural in West Columbia’s new Art Park continues this tradition of bringing textured, abstract work into the shared environment.
