The Art of Not Trying: Abel Kabel's Journey Toward Imperfection
Perfection is overrated. At least, that’s what Abel Kabel seems to think, and his work proves it.
mottprojects
Abel Kabel - Studio Visit by Mott Projects
Starting his artistic journey as a control freak, Kabel once strove for flawless lines and crisp edges.
But somewhere along the way, he realized something that changed everything: there’s no such thing as perfect art.
And frankly, trying to achieve it is pretty boring. So, Kabel did the unthinkable—he let go.
One of Kabel’s most poignant pieces, Katrine Sorg, delves into his personal experience with Asperger's Syndrome
His transformation from precision to playfulness is at the core of his evolution as an artist.
Kabel’s pieces are like a well-orchestrated mess.
His canvas often looks like a graffiti artist met a fine painter in a dark alley—bold line drawings scrawled over thick, textured layers of paint.
The result? A visceral, imperfect beauty that speaks louder than perfection ever could.
Stickers, Graffiti, and Everything in Between
What sets Kabel apart from the crowd is his unapologetic approach to inspiration. He draws from the unlikeliest of places—like stickers.
Yes, you read that right.
For Kabel, a sticker slapped onto a street sign can be the driving force behind an entire painting.
Graffiti, logos, and pop culture are his muses, and his canvas the playground.
In fact, Kabel’s obsession with the mundane has led to an artistic style that feels both intimate and universal.
His work draws you in with its everyday relatability, and once you're hooked, you find yourself navigating through layers of raw emotion, memory, and energetic spontaneity.
His paintings don’t just speak to you; they yell, laugh, and sometimes cry right in your face.
The Beautiful Chaos of Crude Art
Kabel’s rejection of perfectionism isn’t just a stylistic choice—it’s philosophical.
When asked about his work, he often describes it as "crummy" or "crude." But here’s the thing: he likes it that way.
For Kabel, it’s not about making a polished final product; it’s about the process, the experimentation, the fun of it all.
His paintings are alive with energy because they’re not burdened by the weight of traditional expectations. Truly love that.
One of Kabel’s most poignant pieces, Katrine Sorg, delves into his personal experience with Asperger's Syndrome.
Using text and abstract visuals, the work portrays both grief and discovery.
The chaotic, rough lines reflect the overwhelming emotions that come with self-understanding.
It’s a powerful reminder that art is a way of processing, and sometimes, it’s the imperfect strokes that best capture life’s complex emotions.
Letting Go of Control: Kabel’s Secret Sauce
So, what’s Kabel’s secret sauce? It's his ability to let go. By relinquishing control, Kabel has discovered a freedom that many artists spend their entire careers searching for.
In his words, "I like making crummy paintings, I still find them beautiful, and I try my best to maintain a balance between perfection and crudeness."
This attitude has allowed him to create pieces that feel immediate and alive.
Kabel works in small steps, figuring out the direction as he goes, driven by his hyper-focus—an element of his autism that he says fuels his productivity.
The result is art that feels like a conversation between the artist and the viewer, with Kabel giving you just enough to hold onto while letting your mind wander through the chaos.
Why Abel Kabel Matters
Abel Kabel’s work is more than just visually striking—it’s a commentary on the futility of trying to control everything, in art or in life.
His paintings remind us that beauty lies in the rough edges, the unplanned detours, and the chaotic moments that make life—and art—worthwhile.
For those who need art to be perfect, Kabel’s work is a slap in the face (in the best way possible).
For the rest of us, it’s a breath of fresh air. Abel Kabel is not only an artist to watch—he’s an artist to experience.
This is Abel Kabel´s Instagram , follow for more insights!
Member discussion