Karine Boulanger is a French-Bolivian artist whose luminous works reflect her multicultural heritage, artistic education, and passion for exploring the interplay between tradition and innovation. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1963, to a Bolivian painter mother, Graciela Rodo Boulanger, and a French father who owned an art gallery, Karine grew up immersed in the world of art. Surrounded by galleries and museums in Paris, she developed a deep appreciation for artistic expression from an early age.
Her decision to pursue art professionally in her twenties marked the beginning of a rich journey of exploration and growth. Karine traveled to Bolivia to study under renowned artist Gonzalo Rodriguez, immersing herself in the cultural and artistic traditions of Latin America. She later returned to France to refine her skills at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, where she studied under Leonardo Cremonini. These formative experiences shaped her artistic vision and honed her ability to blend diverse influences into her work.
Karine’s art is deeply inspired by Baroque and Byzantine traditions, as well as figurative styles, yet her approach to realism often takes on an abstract quality. Her masterful use of materials—combining oil paint with gold and silver leaf—creates compositions that radiate light, texture, and a sense of the divine. The incorporation of precious metals not only enhances the opulence and luminosity of her works but also invites viewers into a spiritual and emotional dialogue, evoking themes of transformation and inner illumination.
Recurring motifs in Karine’s work, such as sunflowers, tree branches, and animals, celebrate the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness of life. Her ability to harmonize tradition with contemporary techniques results in art that is both timeless and innovative.
Karine has exhibited her works widely in solo and group exhibitions across France, Bolivia, and the United States, and her art is part of esteemed collections, including the Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA) in Long Beach, California, and the Fondation Colas in France.
Now based in Sydney, Australia, Karine Boulanger continues to captivate audiences worldwide, creating art that transcends cultural and aesthetic boundaries. Her luminous compositions invite viewers to reflect on the beauty and complexity of life, offering a visual experience that is both profound and enchanting.