Karen Simon

Born in Erfurt, Germany, raised by artists in the former German Democratic Republic, Karen developed a deep appreciation for creativity. Even as a child, all she needed was a pencil and a piece of paper to feel content.

As a young adult living in Hannover, Karen embarked on her career at a museum while honing her tailoring skills in the theater industry. Eventually, she pursued her studies at the University of the Arts Berlin, where she earned a diploma in stage and costume design under the guidance of Professor Martin Rupprecht. Her educational journey led her to Rome, Italy, and the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree, receiving scholarships along the way. Karen's talent and dedication allowed her to work with esteemed organizations such as the Karl Hofer Society in Berlin, the Biennale Venice in Italy alongside Dovrat Ana Meron, and the Performance Art Festival "The Nature of a Red Dot" in Korea. Recently, she showcased her artwork at Gallery Schindler in Potsdam, among other venues in Germany.

Karen Simon's illustrious career spanned across Europe, encompassing both fine art and costume and set design for theater productions. She collaborated on numerous projects, including those at renowned theaters such as Volksbühne am Rosa Luxemburg Platz in Berlin, theaters in Krakow, Poland, Lausanne, France, Hamburg, and Bremen in Germany, to name a few. Her outstanding talent was recognized when she received the prestigious Best New Costume Designer award from Theatre Today, the leading journal for theater professionals in Germany.

Over 20 years ago, Karen began exploring her current passion for using thread and fabric as her primary artistic mediums. This creative shift occurred after experimenting with thread on various types of paper. Her interdisciplinary approach seamlessly combines her love for textiles and her passion for fine art, resulting in captivating and unique creations.