Erie Art Museum
©1998 Lowry Photography
814-459-5477
http://www.erie.net/~erieartm/
The Life of Butterflies
On January 18, 2000 the Erie Art Museum will open an exceptional
exhibition of oil paintings by figurative realist painter Claudia Kleefeld,
on display in the ground floor gallery. The exhibition, The Life of Butterflies,
features over 20 works including large-scale paintings as well as studies
on paper, which offer a glimpse of her process in creating a work of art.
(left: Silvana's Roads, 1998, oil on linen, 65 x 44.5 x 8
inches (framed), © Kleefeld 1999)
Kleefeld began oil painting in 1982 after working for in
photography for many years. Currently she is 
focusing on themes of women and spirit, which, as
she states, are parallel to her life. Symbolism is very strong in her work
and create almost a magical and mysterious quality that leaves the viewer
to wonder about the meaning behind the painting. However ambiguous, it is
clear that her paintings take on a highly personal aspect, and yet, display
universal sentiment. (right: The Flame and the Moths, 1998-99,
oil on linen, 47.5 x 55.25 inches (framed), © Kleefeld 1999)
She
has studied at many universities in the U.S. as well as London and has received
many artistic awards in national and international exhibits. Although her
work has been in hundreds of solo and group exhibitions, this is her first
solo exhibit in a museum. An Artist's Talk & Opening Reception for
The Life of Butterflies will be held on February 3. Kleefeld will present
a lecture beginning at 7 p.m. with the reception to follow from 8 to 10
p.m. The lecture and reception are free and open to the public. The exhibit
closes on March 18, 2001 and will then travel, after its Erie debut, to
the Shiver Gallery in Taos, New Mexico. Kleefeld resides
in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. (left: Hands, 1997, oil on
masonite, 11.75 x 9.75 inches (unframed), © Kleefeld 1999)
rev. 1/12/01
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This page was originally published in Resource Library Magazine. Please see Resource Library's Overview section for more information. rev. 3/23/11
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