Jules Kunhardt

Jules Kunhardt, born in Paris, France, and currently splitting her time between Grasse, Côte d'Azur, France, and Chicago, is a German artist with a rich and varied background in fine arts, graphic design, and illustration. She has carved a unique space for herself in the contemporary art world. With a body of work that spans across various mediums and themes, Jules masterfully blends her personal and global experiences to create evocative, thought-provoking pieces that challenge viewers to reflect on the world around them.

One of the defining characteristics of Jules' work is her ability to tackle a wide range of subjects with grace, humor, and a keen eye for detail. From classic children's portraits to hard-hitting social commentaries, Jules's pieces are united by a common thread: a desire to give importance to her subjects while maintaining a sense of hope and playfulness.


A recurring theme in Jules' work is her love for chickens, roosters, and goats. She frequently returns to these subjects with drawings and paintings inspired by the animals she used to have in her backyard. Jules describes them as "whimsical subjects, amusing creatures, and easy to depict because they're expressive and more lighthearted than, say, a horse."
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Jules began her artistic journey studying fine arts at the Academia di Belli Arti in Urbino, Italy, before continuing her studies at the University of Passau in Bavaria, Germany. She eventually earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Applied Sciences in Münster, Germany. During her early career, Jules worked as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, creating commissioned works for various publications and clients.

In recent years, Jules has taken on several ambitious series and exhibitions, tackling complex and significant topics that resonate with audiences. Her "Colony Collapse Disorder" series, inspired by the mysterious disappearance of bees, aims to raise awareness about the importance of pollination and the beauty of insects.

Another impactful series, "Eating Animals," was born from Jules's reading of Jonathan Foer's book of the same name. This collection of works examines meat consumption, factory farming, and its environmental impact, demonstrating Jules's ability to confront challenging issues through her art.

Her "Alzheimer's" series pays tribute to her aunt, who was diagnosed with the disease. Through this deeply personal and emotional collection, Jules gives voice to those who have lost theirs and depicts the fear of losing one's identity.

One of Jules's recent standout pieces is a painting of Amanda Gorman, the young poet who recited her powerful poem at the U.S. presidential inauguration. This work has garnered much praise and has been featured in multiple exhibitions in both France and the United States.

Group shows/ awards:

2021 Evanston + Vicinity Biennial
2020 Touch, WomanMade, Chicago, IL
2020 Create-in-place, Waterst...