KARBOMBZ-98
Date
Credits
- Kenny Scharf 2 Painter
- Rachelle King Curator
Format
- Article 576
Publishers
Media
Locations Made
- United States 601
- New York 348
- Bushwick
- New York County
KarBombz was a project by the American artist Kenny Scharf. Known for his vibrant and playful style, Scharf took his art on the road by painting on cars, hence the name "KarBombz."
Starting in 2013, Scharf would spontaneously approach car owners in Los Angeles, New York, or anywhere he traveled and ask if he could paint their cars. The project aimed to bring art out of galleries and into the streets, creating a mobile art experience that anyone could encounter. Scharf's characteristic bright colors and whimsical characters transformed ordinary cars into eye-catching and cultivating pieces of art. The project emphasized the accessibility of art and brought Scharf's unique aesthetic to public spaces in a surprising and delightful way.
Rachelle King an art teacher from NYC, mother of Holden and Logan King. Rachelle had been following Scharf's art collection and journey on Instagram. In early Spring of 2014, she started teaching her students about pop art and often referred to artists such as Scharf and his roommate Harring, along with Rauschenberg and more.
Rachelle thought after following scharfs work for so long she should message him to see if he could paint her family's car, unknowingly that he had started to do that very thing. What she didn't expect was his reply. He gave an address and told her he would be thrilled to paint the car.
In late spring 2014, Kenny Scharf did just that. What went on in the car was influenced by Rachelle's pick of colors and young Holden King's idea; to make the right side of the vehicle angry and the left smiling. He asked for stars on the hood and a face on the back. This was a revolutionary step in Karbombz artwork, from there on most to all cars painted received the faces using the tail lights and stars/decals on the hood.
During the Summer of that year, Rachelle and her family had their Licence plate changed to match the piece number of Scharfs Karbombz artwork.
What was a car that was once $15-30k is now worth 30x that.
How rare is it to see one in person? Put it this way, You will see 1,000 Rolls-Royces in your lifetime before you 1 Kenny Scharf Kar.
![KARBOMBZ-98 1](https://thumbs.peoplesgdarchive.org/static/media-items/image/32115/upto-1440x1182/6631c706/1/Screenshot%202024-05-01%20at%2012.37.19%20AM.png)
![Scharf's Karbomb #98](https://thumbs.peoplesgdarchive.org/static/media-items/image/32121/upto-1440x322/6631f93b/1/MY%20CAR.jpg)