Beta Carotene

About Beta Carotene

This realistic oil painting is a still life by Ciba Karisik.

Lauded internationally for his remarkably detailed and realistic paintings, Ciba Karisik’s compelling work has charmed collectors and critics alike. Trained in the trompe l’oeil technique (‘fool the eye’), Karisik’s rich colour palette and superb use of light is reminiscent of the European masters. This horizontal view of a single raw orange carrot pops against the black and earthy backdrop. This is one of a series of still lifes Karisik created--portraits that capture a simple object.
The importance of the subject has been heightened by the use of an artistic technique called chiaroscuro (Italian for light-dark) where tonal contrasts between light and dark add drama. The name refers to the red-orange pigment—beta carotene found in carrots and other vegetables.

“My paintings are symbolic, experimental and nostalgic, telling eloquent stories of humanity.” Ciba Karisik

Ciba Karisik completed a bachelor’s degree in 1985 and a master’s in painting at the Sarajevo Academy of Fine Art. In 1992, Karisik immigrated to Canada where he continued his career. Since then, he has produced a significant body of work and exhibited regularly in solo and group exhibitions. His paintings are held in international corporate and private collections in Canada, the US, England and Europe. Notable collectors include Brian Mulroney, Alex Trebek, Martin Short, Martha Stewart and U2’s Bono.