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Len Klikunas

Len Klikunas


Born in 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, Len Klikunas is a visionary artist who mesmerizes the art world with his minimalist paintings, blurring the line between art and architecture. His original artworks, often in black and white, create a three-dimensional structure on canvas, manipulating visual perception to reshape our experience of reality. Inspired by the Japanese concept of (自然): the concept of naturalness, absence of pretense or artificiality, Klikunas achieves a serene aesthetic through protruding forms, textured surfaces, and masterful shadow work, resulting in compositions that are understated, yet profoundly captivating.

Klikunas' creations embody a philosophy of "mindful artlessness," effortlessly combining simplicity and grace. Delving into the realms of minimalism, his works evoke a dynamic harmony that invites viewers to contemplate their own perceptions. With his meticulous craftsmanship, Klikunas offers collectors and art enthusiasts a gateway to a transformative world of contemporary minimalism, where the interplay between art and the human spirit creates a profound sense of tranquility and introspection that transcends time.

All artworks by artist



Len Klikunas is known for crafting three-dimensional canvases that alter and enhance perceived reality through visual perception. His work is guided by the Japanese concept of 'shizen' (自然), emphasizing naturalness and an absence of pretense or artificiality. His 'Blocks' series straddles the boundary between art and architecture, residing at the intersection of minimalist painting and sculpture. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1944, Klikunas continues to impact the art world with his innovative creations.

He explores how to articulate the tension of materials and the limits of multi-dimensionality in sculptural paintings. Material is stretched over a supporting three-dimensional framework, like a tent, and coated with paint. 

The work is characterized by “mindful artlessness” and simplicity and is understated and subtle.
Len Klikunas is known for crafting three-dimensional canvases that alter and enhance perceived reality through visual perception. His work is guided by the Japanese concept of 'shizen' (自然), emphasizing naturalness and an absence of pretense or artificiality. His 'Blocks' series straddles the boundary between art and architecture, residing at the intersection of minimalist painting and sculpture. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1944, Klikunas continues to impact the art world with his innovative creations.

He explores how to articulate the tension of materials and the limits of multi-dimensionality in sculptural paintings. Material is stretched over a supporting three-dimensional framework, like a tent, and coated with paint. 

The work is characterized by “mindful artlessness” and simplicity and is understated and subtle.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2018    Lacy Lines, The District, Boise, Idaho

            Horizons, Landscapes, The District, Boise, Idaho

2013    Block in the Void, The District, Boise, Idaho

2012    Back of the Light, The District, Boise, Idaho

1979    Nudes by Klikunas, Courtyard Gallery, Portland, Oregon

1976    Solar Votives, Clackamas College Gallery, Oregon City, Oregon

 

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2023    “Fluro Colour Forever”, Civic Center, Nampa, ID

2022    Lines In Motion”, Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA

2020    Midnight Blue, Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA

            Reflections and Shadows, Meridian Library, ID

            Behind the Red Door, Initial Point Gallery, ID

2019    Affordable Art Fair, New York, NY

            Roots, Nampa Civic Center, Nampa, ID

Binary Response, Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA

After Dark: A Duality, Nampa Civic Center, Nampa, ID

2018    Affordable Art Fair, New York, NY

            Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA

            Art Palm Springs, CA

2017    Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA

2016    6 by Six, Art Source Gallery, Boise, Idaho (juried)

This American Life, Treasure Valley Artists Alliance, Boise, Idaho (juried)

Celebrating Private Idaho, Treasure Valley Artists Alliance, Boise, Idaho (juried)

Inner Workings, Surel's Place, Winston C. Mitchell and Surel L. Mitchell Family Foundation honorarium, Garden City, Idaho (juried)

2015    Hunting and Gathering Exhibition, Treasure Valley

Artists Alliance, Boise, Idaho (juried)

Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, California

2nd 2015 Showcase Competition, winner, Artslant

Bellingham National Salon des Refusés, Whatcom Museum, Bellingham, Washington

2011    Elon University Gallery, Elon, North Carolina

2010    Idaho Triennial, Boise Art Museum, Boise, Idaho

 


EDUCATION

1966    BA Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA

1970    MA California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA


TV & FILM

The Kardashians, Hulu

911 S5, Fox

Minx, HBO

American Housewife S5

The Laundromat, Netflix

Good Time Charlie, TBS

 

PUBLICATIONS

2023    Architectural Digest 2023 AD100 Hall of Fame Issue

2010    ArtDaily.org, Feb 5–May 25, 2010

2010    Boise Weekly Vol. 19 Issue 15, Oct 6–12, 2010

2010    Sustain + Expand, Boise Art Museum, Boise, Idaho

2010    Idaho Statesman, Boise, Idaho, Taking the Pulse of Idaho’s Art World, Christopher Schnoor, Oct 6, 2010

2010    Rimas K. Simaitis, Sep18, 2010

 

 AWARDS AND GRANTS

2016    Winston C. Mitchell and Surel L. Mitchell Family Foundation, honorarium award, Boise, ID

2017    Peter S. Reed Foundation, NY

 

 COLLECTIONS

Kelly Wearstler, Interior Designer, Los Angeles

Kim Kardashian