Kris Kersen’s life was a compelling blend of color and performance, weaving together the worlds of abstract art and cinema during the mid-20th century. Born in 1918, Kersen developed a passion for painting that led him to embrace abstraction—a movement that allowed him to explore emotion and form beyond the constraints of representation. His canvases, often vibrant and dynamic, reveal a deep engagement with the energy and possibilities of mid-century modernism. Through bold brushwork and vivid compositions, Kersen created works that captured both movement and mood, inviting viewers into a contemplative visual experience.

But Kersen’s creative expression was not confined to the canvas. In the 1950s and 1960s, he stepped in front of the camera, appearing in a number of European films such as the classic "Bob le Flambeur" (1956) and "L'homme de l'Interpol" (1966). This dual career as an abstract artist and actor was unusual and speaks to his versatile artistic spirit. Acting allowed him to engage with narrative and character, complementing the abstract language he developed in his paintings.

Kersen is a significant artist because he bridged the worlds of visual and performing arts at a time when such cross-disciplinary work was rare. His unique contribution lies in his ability to infuse abstract painting with the dramatic sensibility of an actor, resulting in artworks that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Though not a household name, Kersen’s work has endured through private collections and art auctions, where his signed oil paintings continue to attract collectors who appreciate his distinctive voice within the abstract movement. His life story is one of crossing boundaries—between visual and performing arts, between emotion and form—making Kris Kersen a distinctive figure whose contributions reflect the rich creative ferment of his time.

You can find Kris Kersen’s artwork primarily through art auctions and private sales. His paintings, such as his impasto abstract work titled "New York '72" was recently sold, complete with provenance details and a photograph of the artist with friends. Listings such as this one indicate that Kersen’s works circulate in the secondary market and are sought after by collectors of mid-century and abstract art.