REFLECTION, IDENTITY & INFLUENCE

Carola Pavlik (1978) is a contemporary artist of Czech descent, born in The Hague, The Netherlands. Her work explores feminine presence through themes of reflection, identity and influence.

Pavlik began her career in London with the Silver & Gold Nudes, investigating the sculptural qualities of the female form through metallic surfaces and shifting light. During a period of personal transition, she explored the body as medium, creating intimate colour-based studies that examined presence and physical imprint.

This inquiry expanded into the vibrant Pop of Colour works (2022), where bold palettes and dynamic compositions express renewed feminine energy and emotional intensity.

Her exploration of material and cultural femininity evolved into sculptural portrait works, including a large-scale aluminium Marilyn Monroe head adorned with 10,000 crystals.

With the Iconic Reflections series, Pavlik created 17 large-scale mirrored portraits of influential women, including Michelle Obama, Beyoncé and Queen Máxima. Built through more than forty layers of airbrush paint, Swarovski crystals and handcrafted couture elements, each work requires between 400 and 450 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. Through reflection  both literal and symbolic the viewer becomes part of the image, entering a dialogue between icon and self.

In the sculptural installation Shine, composed of 57,000 hand-applied crystals, light and movement converge into a meditation on resilience and inner radiance.

Pavlik has exhibited in London, Antwerp and Amsterdam. Her work has been featured on Dutch television, including RTL Boulevard and Blauw Bloed, and in programming connected to UN Women. Her works are held in private collections worldwide. In addition to her studio practice, Pavlik speaks internationally about women’s influence in art and the cultural relevance of feminine presence.