JAMES KAUM
Painting Time, portrait 12, 2015 wax, linseed oil, oil paint on wooden frame 55 cm x 45 cm Artwork: James Kaum; Photography: Dirk Seidenschwan
Painting Time, portrait 7, 2015 wax, linseed oil, oil paint on wooden frame 55 cm x 45 cm Artwork: James Kaum; Photography: Dirk Seidenschwan
Painting Time, portrait 2, 2015 wax, linseed oil, oil paint on wooden frame 55 cm x 45 cm Artwork: James Kaum; Photography: Dirk Seidenschwan
The unbearable lightness of being 2, 2017 Canvas, wax, linseed oil, oil paint, wooden frame 55 cm x 46 cm Artwork: James Kaum; Photography: Dirk Seidenschwan
Light Installation Proposal Trafalgar Square London, 2013 Artwork: James Kaum; Photo image: Albert Barbu
Fear-ism
“THE GODS ENVY US BECAUSE WE ARE MORTAL. WE COULD DIE ANY MOMENT. THE IMMINENT POSSIBILITY OF DEATH MAKES LIFE SO MUCH MORE BEAUTIFUL.”
My work as James Kaum is a manifestation of my deepest fears “Fear-ism”, anxieties, and the relentless depression that once consumed me. Paris, with its beauty and intensity, became the backdrop to my struggle. The creation of this alias was not just an artistic choice but a necessary separation, a way to observe my suffering from a distance and render it into something I could understand, confront, and, ultimately, transcend.
Art became my refuge—a space where I could give form to the formless, where I could transform the shadows of my mind into something tangible. My canvases are filled with the echoes of my torment, yet they also represent the quiet strength of survival. By compartmentalizing my afflictions and viewing them through the lens of James Kaum, I found a way to reclaim my life from the grip of darkness.
Through my work, I hope to connect with others who struggle, to offer a visual narrative that speaks to the universal experience of fear and hope. This journey is one of both vulnerability and empowerment, where each piece is a step toward healing—a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is the possibility of light.
James Kaum
James Kaum is the enigmatic alias of a deeply introspective artist who emerged from the shadows of personal turmoil while living in Paris, France. Confronted with the overwhelming weight of anxiety, fear, and depression, Kaum's true identity remains a mystery, allowing his work to speak on behalf of his inner world. The creation of the James Kaum persona was a conscious act of survival—a means to compartmentalize the intense emotional storms that threatened to engulf him.
Living in a city renowned for its vibrant art scene, Kaum found himself isolated, battling the dark corners of his mind. Rather than succumb to the despair, he channeled his anguish into art, using his work as both a shield and a mirror. The art of James Kaum is not merely an expression of suffering; it is a profound exploration of the human psyche, a journey through the labyrinth of fear and depression with the hope of emerging on the other side.
Through his alias, Kaum was able to externalize his inner demons, transforming them into tangible forms on canvas. His work often delves into themes of darkness and light, chaos and order, pain and healing. Each piece is a visual diary, a raw and unfiltered reflection of his emotional state at the time of creation. The artist’s ability to observe his fears from a detached, neutral perspective allowed him to gain insight and, ultimately, a sense of control over his life.
Photo: Courtesy of the artist
Photography: Dirk Seidenschwan
Press
House of Friends
Website
jameskaum.com