G Kustom Kuhl: I Create Therefore I Am

Art Lovers | 29 April 2024

Written by Amelia Pontifex

‘I create therefore I am.’ For G Kustom Kuhl it’s all at once a life motto, something worth tattooing and a lifestyle. It is open to interpretation and at its heart, refers to making, doing and creating and encapsulates G Kustom Kuhl’s artistic practice.

“G Kustom Kuhl came from the German word for ‘cool’ and originally stemmed from both me simply being called ‘G’ and my work with custom designed bikes. Just like me, it’s not standard, everything I do is out of the ordinary.”

Shine, Shine, Shine | 81 x 122cm, Mixed media on board, Ready to hang

G Kustom Kuhl is a Melbourne-based artist, creator and maker. His works of mixed media, employ abstract and original elements together with recycled materials and found items. In every sense, his works are windows into by-gone eras and windows from which we can view and observe ourselves. His unique use of materials and methods open up an abstract universe that encourages the observer to go on a reflective journey.

Eleven X 8 | 40 x 50cm, Mixed media on board, Ready to hang

“Much of my work is inspired from life [past & present], an interaction with the conscious, sub-conscious and the underlying elements of my spiritual beliefs.”

This manifests itself in the use of signs, symbols, patterns, found objects and his own photography from various places and surroundings.

“Some have meaning, a spiritual meaning, ancient marks or it’s an element of what I’m trying to convey. I like the repetitive nature of patterns and my stencil making. It’s all about pattern making, pattern breaking and making your own mark, your own path and your own journey.”

Four Red Corners | 30 x 40cm, Mixed media on paper adhered onto board, Ready to hang

G Kustom Kuhl has been drawing and painting since childhood and has been involved in many exhibitions throughout his lifetime. His work is in private collections throughout Australia and across the world.

“I’ve always been interested in building, restoring and adding creative influences to my bespoke cars, motorcycles and custom bicycles. Anything that’s creative always has my interest. Everything comes from a creative mind. It’s something that some people don’t always understand and that’s okay too, it’s all part of a dialogue.”

Composition No. 331 ABC-187 | 60 x 80cm, Mixed media on paper, Framed & ready to hang

G Kustom Kuhl has run a classic car restoration business for German cars made from the 1950’s – 1970’s for the past 20 years. This has given him a large amount of creative control over the customization, designing, building and engineering processes.

“This type of work allows me the freedom to work when I want and also gives me more time to work on my art practice. I’ve always thought of the two practices as being totally different from each other, my two different worlds. As of late I think they can work together.”

Composition No 399 Mozart | 56 x 76cm, Mixed media on Saunders Waterford 425gsm paper

G notes his greatest influence is music and the emotions it can evoke. He also notes how he is inspired by nearly everything he sees, hears and is exposed to, whether it be Surrealist art, Pop art, Duchamp or Rothko.

“I like to think that I take on an element of all those artists, it’s always been that way. I feel comfortable doing what I’m doing. It’s all influencing, it’s all current and always moving.”

M with Blue Border | 40 x 50cm, Mixed media on paper on board, Ready to hang

One of the greatest influences on G’s works is Antoni Tàpies and Robert Rauschenberg.

Antoni Tàpies

“The man [Tàpies] worked so hard, creating so much work. Worked with so many different mediums and had such a great signature style that even a minor mark had such an impact. I remember many years ago seeing one of his larger paintings in a local gallery and was in awe of it for many hours. Just to be in the presence of such a work was life changing for me.”

Warning | 46 x 61cm, Mixed media on paper adhered to board, Clear coated using polyurethane gloss, Ready to hang

G Kustom Kuhl’s works speak a visual language inspired from a wide range of sources and coalesce in a complex fusion of symbols, materials, gestures and shapes.

“Colours, images and marks that evoke memories, emotions or thoughts also influence all the works and help with the communication between the artwork and viewer. Making marks, using the images as forms and shapes, using text all add to the emotional experience. I’m trying to entice the viewer to appreciate the simplicity but also want to look further into it and draw his or her own relationship with either colour, form, space or the overall composition.”