Carmel abstract artist Lucas Blok is awarded a large-scale grant from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation.

Lucas Blok’s art is unique in its choice of simple geometric forms and unforgettable bold colors. “Human experience of color,” as he wrote on his website, is the main subject of his abstract art.

His work was recently recognized by the Pollock-Krasner Foundation established at the bequest of Lee Krasner, who was an American abstract expressionist painter and the spouse of fellow painter, Jackson Pollock. The grants are of pretty significant value; the average is $25,000-$30,000 and sometimes as much as $50,000.

"Indeed I am very fortunate and honored to be included in the roster of international artists awarded the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant for 2023/24," Blok wrote in an email. "It is a big deal for me… a recognition of my work but also the support by the people who provided the references about me and my work."

Born in the Netherlands, Blok was raised in Holland, Canada and then the U.S. He has been residing in Carmel since 1989. Currently his work can be seen in the music venue in Sand City, SandBox, and in January, Blok will have a larger exhibit at the Monterey Museum of Art. He was recognized by the Carmel Art Association as an Honorary Artist Member in 1982. 

The Pollock-Krasner Foundation was established in 1985 for the purpose of providing funding to visual artists internationally to further their artistic practices. To date, the foundation has awarded more than 5,100 grants in 80 countries for a total of over $90 million.

"In music, the linear time factor—rhythm—along with harmony, volume and intensity, creates the experience. It is constantly moving, changing," Blok shared with SandBox. "In my work I utilize color and optics to achieve a similar experience: creating time-rhythm, within a static image. I aspire towards visual music."

Visit lucasblok.com to see more of Blok’s work and pkf.org for more information about the foundation.