Karl Hofer belongs to the artists of the zero hour, to the artists who were present with their pictures after the Second World War, because they had continued to work, partly abroad, partly in inner emigration. Karl Hofer was an important role model and point of reference in a time of general uncertainty and disorientation.
In many of his works, one can sense the belief and hope in a time when people would once again feel the warmth of the sun, in a time when blossoming youth would once again see a future worth living before them. Karl Hofer's graceful young girls still rest in themselves, their innocent sensuality is able to give comfort. His couples sit at the table, even when the meal is meager, their heads bowed. Again and again, in addition to his allegorical still lifes and landscapes, he creates the theme of human couples, as man and woman, as friends and as sisters: In the search for friendship, that man be a support to man, lies the way.