Gajoum, Kal

Technique : Oil

Kal Gajoum was born in 1968 in Tripoli, Libya, and now resides in Montreal, Canada.

His interest in art was sparked at a very early age when he was introduced to oil painting and palette techniques by friends of his family, who were artists in attendance at the Leonardo Da Vinci School of art in Rome. He held his first exhibition in 1983 in Tripoli.

He moved to Paris to learn watercolor techniques and the Parisian style of painting from a private artist. He then returned to Tripoli in 1992 where he held an exhibition. In Malta, he worked as a professional artist and spent seven years working for the Royal Fine Art Gallery. During this time, he also continued his pursuit of artistic knowledge and travelled to Tunisia to hold exhibitions. In 2000, Kal found himself in Britain where he ran the Centre of Britain Art Gallery. He began a permanent exhibition in the City of Carlisle, where he steadily developed his palette knife techniques and put together a set of four limited edition watercolor prints of the city. He sold this collection with proceeds going to a local charity.

In 2003, Kal immigrated to Vancouver B.-C., Canada, and is now living in Montreal. He now works his still life and urban scenes by using the palette knife and oil paint. His inspiration comes mostly from his years living in Europe. Gajoum has become an exceptional artist whose originality and sense of beauty is outstanding. Awing us with his vigorous strokes that create unique ambiances, Gajoum never ceases to amaze us with his contemporary urban scenes. His characters, dressed nearly all in black, tease us with just a hint of vibrant colors. He is able, like no other, to capture the modern essence of Europe, Vancouver or the Old Quebec by recreating their architectural treasures with his palette knife. Thus, setting them free onto his canvas for everyone to enjoy.

Kal Gajoum is represented by many galleries all over the world.

Media coverage

• Magazin’Art, Fall 2011 edition, pg. 145-149