From a young age, Karen has been fascinated by photography. Receiving a Kodak Brownie camera at the age of nine, she discovered her calling. The influence of her mother, a photojournalist for the American military newspaper Stars and Stripes in Frankfurt, also played a crucial role in her journey.

After completing her secondary education in Puerto Rico, Karen attended Franconia College, an experimental school in the United States, where she studied photography under Eileen Cowin. She explored various artistic processes, such as gum bichromate and solarization, and drew inspiration from the works of renowned photographers like Diane Arbus and Robert Rauschenberg, as well as their alternative approaches.

She then moved to Paris, expanding her artistic horizons and delving academically into French art history.

Her artistic journey continued in the United Kingdom, where she joined Polycentral London School. Attracted by the emphasis on conceptual aspects of photography beyond mere technique, she found inspiration from Victor Burgin, a teacher and pioneering figure in conceptual art who incorporated photography into his works.

One of Karen Knorr’s notable projects is “Belgravia,” where she photographed the residents of her parents’ affluent neighborhood, pairing the images with texts reflecting their privileged view of the world. Typography plays a crucial role in highlighting artificiality and irony. This was followed by series such as “Gentlemen,” “Connoisseurs,” and “Academies,” which challenge the established cultural norms since the 19th century.

During the early 2000s, with the transition from analog to digital photography, she transformed her art and embraced new technologies. This pushed the boundaries of her creativity in the renowned series “India Song,” where she integrated wild animals into ancient architectures, creating an ecological approach that confronts nature and culture.

Knorr’s journey goes beyond her photographic endeavors. Teaching has become her avenue for continuous learning and inspiration. She imparts the guiding principles of experimentation, perseverance, and collaboration, nurturing the next generation of photographers.

Beyond her art and teaching, Knorr’s commitment extends to creating opportunities for underrepresented talents. By supporting emerging photographers, particularly women and individuals from marginalized communities, she aims to strengthen their voices and amplify them in a field where diversity and inclusivity are paramount.