Keanu Sapadi plays with powerful gestures and persuasive imagery. Fluid forms and dynamic patterns reveal vibrance, an attribute of color, that he translates into drawing. He explores the energy of his body, the sensitivity of his wrist and fingertips, non-controlled approach and custom-built tools to enhance movement and impose parameters. Despite diversity, his logic remains understandable without additional context.
Mischievous humour is pinched into the scenery by displaying the influence of subculture like metal, indie and emo, as well as cartoon, anime and video games, further researched in digital drawing. He uses his work to initiate a discussion addressing healthy progression in an accelerated society. He makes a clear point for the full range of emotions, rather than dividing them in good and bad. Ultimately, he critiques the post-modern individual's lack of diversified perspective, focusing too much on being well. According to Sapadi this is the first step towards a dysfunctional emotional balance, comparable to the one-dimensional madness of fictional characters.
A deep sense of safety echoes through his drawings. As if a paternalistic voice remains silent out of kindness, believing in a progressive outcome due to autonomous exploration and discovery. The artist's images invoke an experienced, akin to abstract expressionism, but with different concentration. This phenomenon stems from his process-oriented method.
Sapadi's fascination to explore and discover fuels his artistic process. Experiencing the beautiful, but harsh reality as it is. Through observation he translates, what is happening. - "Things happen in space. Space itself is not affected. Things simply fill the emptiness that space provides. The same goes for feelings." - A belief aiding in reflection, helping Keanu Sapadi to maintain composure amidst his artistic calamity, blending tranquility into the creative chaos. Opening combinations that should repel themselves, but attract. His imagery leaves an invitation into abstract landscapes of seemingly destructive emotions, that otherwise have no home. A metaphor what its like to talk to him.
Qiyana Sapadi
Experiencing the work of Keanu Sapadi
Artist Statement
Keanu Richard Sapadi is a "rheinische Frohnatur", born in 1993 in Brühl, Germany. He studied fine arts from 2016–2023 at Kunsthochschule Weissensee Berlin, finishing with a diploma and the title of Meisterschüler. In his work, Sapadi connects the joyful attitude of the West and the coolness of the capital.
Growing up with the meditative practice of Tibetan Buddhism and Germany’s philosophical tradition, Sapadi early on became drawn to spirit, soul, and consciousness. However, his real questions begin beyond the concepts of self, ego, and identity — in the undefined space where spirits shift and resist being pinned down. He believes: Definition harms spirit. Without the freedom to remain undefined, true sensitivity cannot unfold.
On the right side, you see the work "Rollercoaster."
"At that time, the distinct goal was to empty myself. I could not define it better back then. But that's actually a great starting point to put things together," Sapadi reflects.
The piece captures everyday emotions—joy, anger, fear, desire, peace, and everything in between—placing them onto the medium like emotional expressionism. Drawing from the Ancient Greek idea of catharsis (κάθαρσις)—meaning "purification" or "cleansing"—his art initiates a process of restoration and renewal through the confrontation with raw emotion.
This artistic state embraces impermanence. Ease and uneasiness intertwine—just like in life, where moments of smooth flow alternate with struggle. Grace appears when effort transforms into effortlessness. Losing this subtle beauty would be a shame.
Sapadi believes that discipline carves the way to effortlessness, and that true creation emerges before definite understanding.
To naturally express ethereal sensitivity, spiritual protection and intellectual freedom are needed. Gratification and comfort oppose true serenity. Sapadi’s work embodies perseverance—not in triumph, but in stillness to the fragile and fleeting. He firmly believes catharsis is an archaic stepping stone to liberation, restoring the feeling of lightness.
Peace requires maintenance. Wouldn’t losing the ability to deal with anger diminish the ability to maintain peace? Many others face similar inner struggles. This shared fragility is Sapadi’s reason to aesthetically map out his exploration.
No final words needed.
Art is everything you want it to be. And everything you don’t want it to be, too.
Where is your spirit at ease ?
