Dennis Kleidon
About the Artist
Dennis Kleidon paints robust abstractions exploring the possibilities of paint in action, reveling in color in ways that appear at first to be intuitive, but soon reveal a sure sense of gesture – at once invigorating and calming. His work has been recognized by the preeminent art critic, Edward Lucie-Smith, as “deeply personal” and “bursting with life.” Lucie-Smith says “Kleidon's paintings have...powerful symbolic messages.”
Like many abstract expressionists, Kleidon balances the orderly backgrounds of his paintings with an aggressive attack on the canvas. A student of art, architecture, and design, and a classically trained pianist, Kleidon integrates a multitude of influences into his compositions.
Kleidon has been dedicated to the advancement of excellence in design and art throughout his professional life. Problem-solving and improving the visual environment have been significant parts of his activities as a professor of art, graphic designer, writer, and marketing communications executive. As a fine artist, he has been influenced by mid-century abstract expressionists, the dynamics of a controlled spontaneity, and his unharnessed imagination. His paintings have been shown throughout the United States and he is represented by the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York City, Gallery Andrea in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the Alessandro Berni Gallery in New York City and Perugia, Italy. His Designer Grids and other product designs have been used by art and design professionals throughout the world.
Dennis Kleidon has encapsulated his design philosophy in a recently published book titled, Unleash Your Imagination: Transform Your Life. The book inspires his readers to view their life as a design project, planning each aspect of their life based on their utmost desires and aspirations. He encourages his readers to design their life with the intent of making significant achievements. “We have been given wonderful gifts, our life, our body, and our mind, and we need to use these gifts and talents to make important contributions to our society and our world.” Transformation, one of his newest series of paintings, symbolizes the transition that takes place as one transforms their life from their current reality to a new and exciting future vision.
His love of music and theater is seen in his most recent paintings, ‘Round Midnight, Poinciana, and Sun Dancers. Influenced by jazz piano, choreography, and dance, he expresses in his paintings the complexity of musical scores as well as the beauty and flow of dance movements.
Kleidon is a Professor Emeritus, having taught in the art departments of the University of Akron and the University of Illinois. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Illinois Wesleyan, a Master of Science degree from Illinois State University and studied Architecture at the University of Illinois.
For more information about Kleidon’s artwork and his book visit www.denniskleidon.com, or watch more on YouTube https://youtu.be/6Z35ZDGcPUk
