Where Art, Horse, and Collector Meet: The Quiet Power of Karen Osborn’s Work
As the Dutch Equine Art Fair in Amsterdam opens its doors this November, returning Australian artist Karen Osborn invites collectors into a world where the horse is not merely subject, but soul companion.
This marks Karen’s second consecutive year exhibiting at the prestigious Amsterdam fair, a testament to the growing international recognition of her distinct voice in contemporary equine art. Her pieces stand out not through spectacle, but through an evocative quietness that lingers long after viewing. Emotive, symbolic, and deeply resonant, her works appeal to those who seek not only beauty but meaning.
From her base on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, Karen lives quietly with her small herd of horses on land that breathes memory and reverence. This intimate relationship with both horses and place informs her practice, resulting in artworks that speak of presence, stillness, and sacred connection.
The Dutch Equine Art Fair in Amsterdam is the first of its kind. Held at the Living Horse Museum, Amsterdam and curated by Joyce Ter Horst of Paard Verzameld, it offers a dedicated platform to equine artists worldwide. Taking place in the oldest riding school in the Netherlands, a monumental neo classical building in the heart of the city, the setting is more than fitting for this celebration of contemporary equine art.
In Amsterdam this year, she unveils a new collection of four oil paintings:
• Two exploring the archetypal woman and horse bond in moments of subtle recognition, longing, and trust
• Two continuing her signature theme of the herd and light
Collectors are often drawn to the empathy of her paintings, the way they hold space for memory and reawakening. Her ability to portray horses not as objects of admiration but as sentient co-beings has become her hallmark.
Selected achievements
• Exhibitor at Fieracavalli (Verona, Italy) in 2022, one of the most significant equine events in Europe
• First place, Equine Art Section, Camberwell Art Show 2024
• Finalist, Du Rietz Art Award 2024
• Finalist, The Doyles Art Award 2024
• Long listed for Jackson’s Art Prize 2025
These accolades reflect the art world’s growing appreciation for her finely attuned aesthetic, one that resonates with both contemporary collectors and those who revere the equestrian spirit.
Karen’s presence at the 2025 Dutch Equine Art Fair in Amsterdam is not simply an exhibition. It is an invitation. For collectors seeking works of depth, serenity, and subtle energy, her paintings offer a lasting connection not only to the horse, but also to memory, land, and self.
Visit Karen Osborn at the Dutch Equine Art Fair in Amsterdam 6 to 9 November 2025 | The Living Horse Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
karenosbornart.com
instagram.com/karen.osborn.art
Photos fair: Malou Ploeg
Photo of Karen: Picture the Moment
Artist, Karen Osborn.
