Phantasmal Gallery
Phantasmal Gallery
Alexis Karl
Oracles and Shaman
Vibracrome Archival Print on Metal
37" × 20.8"
2025
$2,000.00Still from experimental horror film, The In Between ( in post- production)
Oracles and Shaman
Oracles and Shaman
A Little Bit About The Artist
A Statement From The Artist
My films and stills often peer into the shadow realms of the psyche-exploring horror in a beautiful light. Every shot must be like a painting, each moment pulsing with the heartbeat of despair just under the surface of my characters. Themes of isolation, dystopia and immortality pervade my work, and the visual is bound to the sonic- where my music compositions may recall ancient spell-work and funerary rights, or explore shamanic characters from nether realms surfacing in our world to prophesize and fill us with both revulsion and desire.
Do you like scary movies? And if so which ones?
​I adore scary movies! My first scary movie experience was at the young age of six, when a friend’s father took us to a matinee of Silent Scream. That film haunted by child-self, and haunts me still. It is visceral and terrifying, and the one film I refuse to watch as an adult, lest I loose that fear and revulsion I felt as a child. Favorites as of late are the new Suspirira. Yes, I love the Argento Suspiria and it has influenced me for ages… but the new one brings something incredibly special to the horror pantheon in the direction as well as the brilliant choreography of Damien Jalet. I love the beauty of La Goulve from 1972, and The Hunger 1983 will always have a special place in my heart and a great inspiration to me...and speaking of vampires, I must mention Daughters of Darkness 1971 for its fabulously fashionable take on the genre. That brings me to my favourite succubus film, which is the first part of VHS 2012, in which the character Lily takes female empowerment to another level. A film I adore about a woman’s transformation is Spring 2024..it is a very elegant horror film. One of my very favorite horror films is You Won’t Be Alone 2022. This film rips at your heart in the most amazing way- it is stunning from start to finish.
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Who's your fave Final Girl and why?
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Hellraiser 1987's Kirsty Cotten is my favorite Final Girl. She a complex, smart and brave character in the face of these totally terrifying beings from Hell.
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What is the biggest influence in your practice?
Films, music and paintings are my biggest influence. My own training as a classical painter informs the composition, lighting, movement and color of all of my work. Music drives the works.. and as a composer, I get to link my films with my compositions.. which allows me a fuller expression of emotion.
