Julius Karoubi Norwegian / French, b. 1998

Julius Karoubi, born in 1998, is an emerging artist from Oslo who has established himself as a prominent voice in contemporary art. He was named Artist of the Year in 2023 by the cultural newspaper Subjekt and is particularly known for his unique mosaic works, which combine traditional techniques with a modern, abstract expression. Karoubi primarily works with tiles he finds in dumpsters or purchases through online platforms. This recycling trend reflects both a practical approach to material use and a critique of the overconsumption and renovation frenzy that characterize modern society.

Karoubi's artistic journey began at a young age. Even as a child, he showed an interest in creating by collecting objects and turning found items like bird feathers and empty toilet rolls into art. He describes becoming an artist not as a choice, but as a realization. Despite being skeptical of school, he eventually attended art school and further developed his artistic language. Today, he has his own studio on the outskirts of Oslo, where he works alongside other visual artists in a creative collective.

His mosaics combine found tiles with Italian glass mosaic, creating abstract compositions often inspired by logos, symbols, and shapes from consumer culture. Karoubi’s works not only express his close relationship with mass-produced items and everyday objects, but they also serve as a means of exploring his cultural heritage from Algeria. He describes his art as a process of absorbing, collecting, and processing impressions from his surroundings to create something new and meaningful

Karoubi holds a BA in fineart from Oslo Academy of Fine Art. Recent solo and group exhibitions include Cerulean: The Language of Color at Galleri Golsa, LESS THAN WHOLE/MORE THAN HALF at Hos Arne (solo), Colle á Carrelage at Hos Arne (solo), Unge Inviterte at LNM, and Will I see you Tomorrow? at Bærum Kunsthall.