Randy Klinger’s work is comtemplative and extremely aesthetic- the skillful techniques of the shading and lighting create a very realistic scene . You can see the exhibition here.
Self Portrait 74 (2024) has Klinger himself with his back turned to the viewer; which invites us into a private and reflective moment. The shadows and lighting blend well into the skin and create contrast between the figure and the flora in the work. While the composition is well done as the figure takes up two thirds of the work allowing for the viewer’s eye to move from right to left. The flora deepens the naturality of the work allowing for meditative stillness that nature brings.
Woman in a Striped Shirt (2024) is rendered through graphite and with tremendous detail capturing the figure and her being. The lighting and shadows help create the details of the setting and the atmosphere allowing for the scene to be entered by the viewer. The figure is relaxed with a natural expression on her face and the gesturing of her hand suggests contemplation and gives emotion to the figure- making her more relatable. Klinger has successfully and beautifully animated the figure in the work to feel alive and real- bringing the viewer into a space of introspection and warmth. Therefore, the viewer has been invited into a personal moment with the figure and to feel at ease.
Woman at her Puzzle II (2024) is similar in its composition to Woman in a Striped Shirt (2024), however the subject is instead solving a puzzle. Solving a puzzle tends to be a quiet and a contemplative activity which requires focus and a great eye. The setting within the work is comforting and warm; which invites the audience to potentially join in with the activity. This work may not have an intended meaning (other than a work that is of aesthetic beauty) in of itself- however it does invite the viewer to create their own meaning of the work.