Lukáš KÁNDL
Magic Realism	[Biography]	[Exhibitions]	[Gallery]	[Book]	[Press]	[Honors]	[Links]

Biography

“My painting is somewhere between surrealism and fantastic, a mix of strange and magic. I like to think that, in an other life, I was living in Prague, as someone in charge of Rudolf II’s fabulous collection in which you could find, for example, astrological tools, potions to make gold, the philosophal stone, impenetrable manuscripts full of VITRIOL formula. There were also strange beasts that I especially love.”

Born in 1944 in Prag, Czech Republic, Lukáš Kándl studied at the Prague College of Art from 1959 to 1963. Lukáš Kándl is a graduate student from the Prague Academy of Applied Art (1963 to 1969). In 1969, Lukáš Kándl received an MA from the Academy of Fine Arts.


His professional experience took him to France and Holland as part of his study tour. In 1975, he acquires the French citizenship and settles in France. His studio is currently located in Burgundy (France).


Since 2002, he is the head of the Surrealistic/Visionary group of the French « Salon Comparaisons » in Paris. Each year he gives mandatory theme and format to his group for the annual show "Art en Capital" in the Grand Palais. (L'Ange exquis (Exquisite Angel) 2006, Exclamations! 2007, Divine Comedy 2008 ...)
Leader of the Magic Realism painting in France, he created the Libellule group, bringing together some of the best contemporary international artists to present a fantastic, surreal, imaginary and visionary world, around a set of fundamental values based on openness, sharing, group spirit, superb technical quality and master of the craft. He launched the huge "Ange exquis" project, international and monumental show, presenting the public with an exceptional portfolio of the best contemporary magic realistic paintings in Europe and in the world. (see website: http://www.libelluleart.com).

In 1987, he has also been elected Secretary of the Paris Salon d'Automne and he is an Honorary Member of the Copley Society in Boston since 1988.
Lukáš Kándl was, furthermore, the coordinator of the exhibition "Les Apocalypses" and of three Fantastic Art biennials on behalf of the Cultural Commission of Saint-Germain en Laye (France).

Lukáš Kándl is also sculptor and poster designer. Winner of Trophée Lancôme poster competition in 1985, he was the official designer for the National Book Fair in Saint-Etienne (France) for 16 years, designing a set of argely appreciated posters.


Lukáš Kándl's talent is recognized worldwide and he has been granted numerous Awards & Honors . Among others he received the Bruxelles' Art Festival Bronze Palm in 1973, he was granted the National Council Prize from the International Prize of Monte Carlo in 1987. In 1992 Lukáš Kándl was the Guest of Honour at the International Art Festival in Osaka.

Lukáš Kándl's original art work has been shown throughout the world in many international exhibitions. More details are available in the Exhibition section of this site.

Lukáš Kándl's art is often classified within the surrealist movement. He explains himself that he composes his paintings somewhat as a ballad which prompts reflexion, provokes, bemuses and always arouses a multitude of questions.
A portfolio of some of his paintings is available in the Gallery section of this site.

An Art-Book of the artist's work, presented with some reflexions about his work, is further described in the Book section. This Art-Book may be ordered on-line.

Feel free to contact Lukas Kandl at lukas@kandl.net.