SIMON KEF!

Simon Röhlen, known as KEF!, is a captivating artist from Aachen, Germany, near the Dutch border. From a young age, he sought creative expression, finding peace and inspiration in art. At 14, he showcased his first works publicly, developing a unique style that reflects his name.

His passion for graffiti and street art became a pathway to freedom, allowing him to express himself without rules. In 2006, he discovered the book "The Art of Rebellion: The World of Street Art," which deepened his commitment to visual art.

After training as an industrial mechanic, KEF! was invited by former footballer Christian Timm to exhibit at the "Neeshkat" pop-up gallery, marking his entry into the London art scene. He later moved to London, where he painted extensively and showcased his work in European galleries.

Since 2015, he has lived in Berlin, a city that embodies creativity and freedom for him. Despite his connection to Berlin, he remains a wanderer, traveling regularly to express his art and embrace the feeling of being both everywhere and nowhere.

“I don’t like to categorize my work. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t know where to place it.” KEF! chooses his surroundings and mediums flexibly, finding freedom in diversity. His art appears on various surfaces, including canvases, walls, furniture, clothing, and accessories. Notably, in 2017, he contributed to the design of a handbag for Liebeskind.

Instead of figurative elements, his works feature organic forms. He often uses lines that converge into a harmonious whole, reflecting his belief that, like leaves on a tree, every piece is unique and embodies the universe.

KEF! collaborates on indoor and outdoor projects worldwide, including with the Park Lane Hotel in Hong Kong, the Hotel Molitor in Paris, and Urban Outfitters across multiple cities. He has exhibited at notable galleries like Danysz Gallery in London and Ann Connelly Fine Art in Baton Rouge.

His driving force is “harmony and tranquility.” When he paints, he feels at home in a rule-free, negative-free world where anything is possible. His lines are infinite, just like the harmony in his works, which provide him with positive energy amidst chaos. Drawing inspiration from everyday life and nature, KEF! creates an aesthetic chaos where every element finds its place, resulting in a calm and harmonious overall effect.

“Every piece is complete in itself while also being a part of a larger work. With the last breath, the work is complete.” For KEF!, sharing his art means bringing people together through the harmony and positivity that surround him.

“I see it as my mission to spread positive feelings in the world.” His art speaks a universal language that resonates globally. KEF! believes that, fundamentally, people share the experience of being human, and he aims to support one another in making that experience as beautiful as possible. He is convinced that the world needs more harmony, with every line and detail of his work intended to enrich and beautify life.