Camilla Paul-Stengel, a distinguished German writer and poet born in 1936, has dedicated her entire life to the intricate interplay of art and literature. She set up and directed for several years a Munich-based contemporary art gallery in Germany, where she also oversaw an editorial collection bearing the same name, CC Paul. Within the walls of her gallery, Camilla shone a spotlight on the works of Karl Stengel (Novi Sad 1925 – Loro Ciuffenna 2017), a painter who immersed himself deeply in the zeitgeist of his era. To this day, prestigious international exhibitions continue to pay homage to Karl’s enduring legacy.
Their acquaintance, which began when Camilla was a student at the art school where Karl taught, has transformed over the years into a true love story. A harmonious union fueled by Camilla’s unwavering passion and reverence for Karl’s artistic oeuvre. In a touching gesture of affection, Karl dedicated his most exquisite creations, bearing the inscription “für Camilla”, to Camilla. The couple embarked on a journey that led them to spend significant portions of their lives in Tuscany, where their artistic collaboration found its fertile ground. Here, Camilla composed verses, while Karl rendered his oil pastel drawings, which were seamlessly melded into singular artworks, inspired by the rich tapestry of their artistic and literary dialogues.
Within these collaborative creations, Camilla’s poetry frequently delved into subjects of a spiritual, anthropological, or amorous nature, echoing the profound themes of her written work. Karl’s abstract drawings, vibrant with color, mirrored the essence of his artistic tributes to the poets and writers he held dear.