David Klamen (American, b. 1961) is a contemporary painter whose artistic endeavors evolve in tandem with his love for literature and philosophy. His focus surrounds the probing questions, “How do we acquire knowledge?” and “How do we obtain understanding?”
Klamen’s painting style encompasses both figurative and abstract approaches, at times harmonizing the two by incorporating geometric lines or patterns onto his meticulously finished landscapes. He sees the abstract element as a fourth dimension in this context. His work exudes a contemplative and tranquil essence, engaging the audience in profound tonal values and exquisite control. The viewer is compelled to take a second look and delve deeper into the complexity of each piece.
In his most recent series, “Meta-paintings,” Klamen delves into the perspectives of other artists and viewers, isolating historically significant pieces of artwork in situ, shifting them at sharp angles, and reimagining them with foreshortened perspectives. Each iteration involves upwards of twenty artworks arranged in a salon-style manner to create a large-scale multi-canvas installation.
Klamen obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana in 1983, followed by his Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the School of the Art Institute Chicago in 1985. Currently, he serves as a Professor of Fine Arts at Indiana University Northwest, and resides and works in Chicago.
www.ftn-books.com has Klamen titles available.
