Karl N'da Adopo: painter and drawer

1. Tell us about your very first memory related to art.

Karl: My first memory connected to art is always the same one I share when I’m asked this question. It goes back to when I was about five or six years old, when a friend of my mother put felt-tip pens in my hands to introduce me to drawing.

It all started with a portrait she had done of my mother. It was incredibly well executed—it really left an impression on me. I think it was done in pencil.

That made me want to do the same. At the time, she used to look after my brother and me when we went up north to visit my mother, who was still studying to become a nurse. To keep me busy, she taught me the basics of drawing in her own way… and I’ve never let go of that passion since.

2. Could you tell us more about your creative process? How does a piece come to life, from the initial idea to the final work?

Karl: My creative process is very much rooted in reflection. While many people sketch out their ideas first, I tend to do the opposite: I settle into my studio, facing my sheet of paper or canvas whatever the medium may be and take the time to let ideas come together in my mind. I think through the colors, the poses, the backgrounds…

If I feel the need, I’ll look for reference images by typing a few keywords online. Then I move straight onto the canvas or the drawing.

That said, I’m someone who likes to take my time. I work at my own pace, which allows me to be as precise as possible and achieve exactly the result I’m aiming for. I’d say my approach to creating is more strategic than instinctive.

3. How would you describe your work? What makes your universe recognizable at first glance?

Karl: I’d say my work is precise, very colorful, smooth, and somewhat cartoonish. That’s really the effect I’m aiming for. One thing people often tell me is that it feels less like it’s painted and more like it’s printed. Honestly, I find that incredibly rewarding, because that’s exactly the impression I want my paintings to give at least for now.

What makes my universe recognizable at first glance, beyond the technical style and the use of color, is mainly my character SAMA. When people see this elephant, I think they can identify my work quite quickly, at least if they’re familiar with it.

4. What inspires you? Where do you get your ideas?

Karl: What inspires me and sparks my ideas though it might sound a bit cliché is mainly my everyday life. The world around me, my background, what I experience and observe just simple daily life.

Well, I might be exaggerating a little, I admit. I’m a huge fan of memes. I have tons on my phone, and I could almost communicate entirely through them. So naturally, they sometimes find their way into my work.

Music also plays an important role. Many times, I’ve drawn inspiration from lyrics or song titles I really love when creating my paintings.

5. Which artists do you admire? Who moves you, and why?

Karl: It’s hard not to start by mentioning KAWS, Verdy, or even Murakami. Their worlds, their characters, their use of color… it all aligns with what I love. I’ve always been a big fan of cartoons and anime, so naturally, their work reminds me of that and inspires me enormously.

I really aspire to develop a signature universe like theirs, something instantly recognizable.

Another important common thread among them is that they don’t limit themselves to traditional mediums like canvas or paper. That’s something I aim to do as well: to expand my work in as many ways as possible without compromising its essence.

6. Finally, what are your latest updates? Any upcoming projects?

Karl: My latest news is that I’m currently participating in the Urban Art Fair, thanks to the Musée imaginaire d’Oli, who brought my work there. It’s truly an honor for me, and I’m so grateful to him for taking two of my paintings to exhibit there.

Other than that, I have some exciting projects in the works that I can’t reveal just yet! But I can say that I’m preparing my first solo exhibition in Paris, from June 4th to 7th, 2026, in the Marais, specifically at 79 Rue Charlot. Many thanks to the young curator Jeanne Samalens for this opportunity; we’re working hard to make it amazing!

Their favorite artworks