
(English translation Magazine Landleven)
Alexandra Klimas paints in tribute to the animal
"I'm not an activist"
Her grandfather owned three red furs. He didn't hug them, but he treated them with respect. With the same reverence, Alexandra Klimas paints cows in oil. To portray them as personality. Her main mission is to create a bond between the buyer of the painting and the animal. In tribute to all Marleentjes and other cows, sheep and chickens that eventually end up on the plate. Because an animal is more than a piece of meat, she says, as one of the world's best cow painters.
For painter Alexandra Klimas it is not 'a' cow: "They are all their own characters. I soon start painting the eyes, which reflect the soul, and with them you feel the connection. The fact that the fur looks a bit different from reality is less important, it's about the essence, the animal itself, that's what I try to get out." She goes out in the area to sketch or capture the animals in photos, before starting an oil painting in her studio in Leerbroek. No exotic or crazy breeds, but ordinary cows and sheep.
"It is relaxing to sit between the cows or the sheep, it makes you very zen. But I do it mainly to observe. First they are naturally curious and then they go about their daily business again and you see the most beautiful moments, how they are among themselves, whether there is peace in the group, and you can see the character traits a bit. One animal appeals to me more than the other. At the organic farm De Groene Geer there is a cow that is more mother than the rest, she looks after all calves so well, which is special, because not every cow has the ambition to be a mother all the time, or there is one that watches out from a primal instinct when the rest are ruminating, with their eyes half closed, enjoying the sun. There are cows that are more playful, more curious or rather reserved. External characteristics are not that important to me at all, the character determines whether and how I want to paint an animal. As an artist I can add a spot, that is not a problem. It's important, because it doesn't change the cow's being." Alexandra looks at dog Bella in the living room: "Look, if my dog has a few spots or not, I don't care. It doesn't matter to the dog, it doesn't matter to me, as long as she has a great character. Between the puppies she looked to see which way the cat jumps and I immediately thought: that will be my puppy."
The madness of the ear tag
However aesthetic her work may be, the animal behind it is everything. "When I was twelve, thirteen, fourteen, I was against fur and animal testing for the make-up industry. I was involved in that, with animal suffering, not with art. As a small farmer, my grandfather was always concerned with his animals. He taught me the beauty of nature and the value of an animal, despite the fact that a pig was slaughtered every year. He treated his animals with respect as long as they were alive. That is still my example. When he had to move to a smaller house, he placed advertisements for the last three cows and every farmer who responded, he looked up to find out if the animals ended up well and didn't go straight to the abattoir, not that he hugged his cows and in the living room let go, but so was my grandfather."
"I am no longer an activist, but I think that we no longer treat animals well. Everyone should know for themselves whether they eat meat, I respect that, because it is not my message not to eat meat. We should be more aware of what we are doing and that it should be improved. Look at the transport in trucks over long distances and the way in which that is done, I disapprove that. But also that a small butcher is no longer allowed to slaughter his own cow, because of all the rules, from a hygienic point of view. No one looks at the importance of the animal, because it is precisely in large companies that do it 'according to the rules' that so much goes wrong. At the small butcher it went a lot better." With the same thought - what is in the animal's interest - she omits the ear tags of the cows on the canvas. "I dislike brands, chipping and such, I strongly oppose that. It is madness. Imagine a farmer selling a calf that is not registered; everything revolves around control. The animal gets a number, but the animal is not a number."
Marleentje lives on
“I want to paint them as they were, as they are, as I met them. So alive. As a kind of tribute to their involuntary death for us humans. They didn't sign for it. If you choose to do that, you have to give them a good life. If I can convey that realization... The special thing is that the people who hang a cow painting on the wall, develop a bond with such a cow and therefore deal with meat more consciously. It is the cow that constantly looks at you in the living room. That's what my work does. That is why my mission is to paint so lifelike that that bond can arise. People then send an email saying: 'Marleentje is still doing well, but we want a painting next to it, to give her company'. After six years, the real Marleentje may no longer be alive, but she still lives on. When my mission succeeds, I'm happy, unlike when they just say: 'It goes well with the couch."
Buying her painting is not yet directly linked to the adoption of the real Marleentje. "I'm not naive, because if you look at how many cows are slaughtered per year, it's nice for Marleentje to go to a rest home, but it doesn't solve anything. I don't see it as saving a cow. Feeling for that one cow, that's not what it's about, it's about a collective awareness about animal welfare, that people don't just see a piece of meat." Sheep, rabbits, chickens, the same applies to all farm animals. It bothers her that society looks away from animal suffering. Stopping the factory farming here and then getting the meat, eggs or wool from abroad won't solve anything. "Everything we don't like has to go, what doesn't suit us has to go, but that's so superficial." The solution is more respect for the animal.
Always with a message
She once painted wild animals and children, each time with a message. "Poaching, child trafficking. Everything that is vulnerable is abused. When I came to live here in the village, I thought, you can be busy with the whole world, but you better start a little smaller." That 'small' are the farm animals in its own environment. The cows of De Groene Geer in Nieuwland regularly serve as models for Alexandra. The cows she remembered best? "My grandfather's, with whom I was allowed to help with milking and feeding. I still remember what they looked like and how I felt about them. No, it is striking, but I have never painted them. However it all started with those red furs. Of course I am grateful that people buy my work, but I also think it is important that my paintings get a good home. It sounds strange, but I think it is important that they take good care of my cows or sheep, and until now that has always happened.”
Rosa. "I wanted to show this lady's vulnerability, her almost tender, sweet character, despite having those horns. I had the feeling that her horns were facing inwards as if she didn't want to harm anyone with them."
For any enquires or for any furhter information about Alexandra Klimas email info@plusonegallery.com today!
Related artist
- Tumblr
Add a comment
-
-
Blog entries
Johannes Wessmark for American Art Collector
-
Blog entries
Meet the Photorealists
-
Blog entries
Carl Laubin - Homage to Le Corbusier’s Pessac
-
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Ben Johnson
-
Blog entries
Get Ready for Christmas with the Perfect Stocking Fillers
-
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Paul Beliveau
-
Blog entries
Alexandra Klimas in Landleven Magazine
Alexandra Klimas paints in tribute to the animal -
Blog entries
POG's Christmas Suggestions
-
Blog entries
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY PLUS ONE GALLERY
September 2001 - September 2021 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: David Kessler
-
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Sergey Piskunov
-
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Alexandra Klimas
-
Blog entries
Let's Get Ready for Christmas! - Volker Kuhn
November 30, 2020 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: John Salt
-
Blog entries
Feel Like We’re Living in Surreal Times?
Let These 5 Leading Hyperrealist Artists Ground You -
Blog entries
An Interview with Maggie Bollaert
For www.hyperrealism.net -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Andres Castellanos
-
Blog entries
The Story Behind the Painting II: Alexandra Klimas
Hope the Donkey -
Blog entries
Carl Laubin: Elegos
World Trade Centre – Ground Zero -
Blog entries
All You Need is Love!
-
Blog entries
Our December Winter Picks
The ultimate cozy artworks for your living room this winter -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Adolfo Bigioni
-
Blog entries
The Story Behind the Painting I: Denis Ryan
-
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Young-sung Kim
-
Blog entries
Hiperrealisme | 21 Jun - 30 Sept | Museu del Tabac, Andorra
-
Blog entries
Plus One Gallery, The Piper Building
-
Blog entries
Hyperrealism: Resources for the Artist
-
Blog entries
Happy Mother's Day!
She's looked after you all this time, make sure she knows she special! -
Blog entries
Winter Show
January 17, 2018 -
Blog entries
Photorealism of the 1960s
January 10, 2018 -
Blog entries
The tradition of still life
November 29, 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Javier Banegas
November 15, 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Tom Betts
November 13, 2017 -
Blog entries
Javier Banegas Private View
-
Blog entries
November News
November 1, 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Paul Beliveau
October 25, 2017 -
Blog entries
YOUNG-SUNG KIM
October 18, 2017 -
Blog entries
September News
September 12, 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: David Kessler
-
Blog entries
Gallery News!
Simon Hennessey wins the acrylic paint category of the Jackson Painting prize 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Paul Cadden
August 10, 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Simon Harling
August 4, 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Javier Banegas
July 21, 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Francois Chartier
July 10, 2017 -
Blog entries
An Interview with Christian Marsh
June 21, 2017 -
Blog entries
Summer Picks at Plus One Gallery
June 7, 2017 -
Blog entries
PRIVATE VIEW
Tom Martin: Perpetual Motion May 17, 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Andres Castellanos
-
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Steve Whitehead
-
Blog entries
Gallery News!
Carl Laubin is announced as the Winner of the 2017 Arthur Ross Awards for Excellence in the Classical Tradition, in te Fine Art Category. -
Blog entries
Works to Watch
Angus McEwan April 10, 2017 -
Blog entries
Private View
Cynthia Poole: Gold Pieces & other Explorations -
Blog entries
An Interview with Cynthia Poole
March 30, 2017 -
Blog entries
Tom Martin : Sculptural Works
May 31, 2017 -
Blog entries
An Interview with Tom Martin
May 24, 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Cynthina Poole
March 22, 2017 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Denis Ryan
-
Blog entries
An Interview with David Finnigan
-
Blog entries
Spring Picks at Plus One Gallery
-
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Simon Hennessey
-
Blog entries
Plus One Gallery's Top 5 picks this month
-
Blog entries
Winter Show Private View
-
Blog entries
Winter Show: Artists
An Interview with David Wheeler -
Blog entries
Winter Show: Artists
An Interview with JKB Fletcher -
Blog entries
Winter Show
-
Blog entries
MERRY CHRISTMAS
from everyone here at Plus One gallery: Maggie, Colin, Rosie, Scarlett and Archie -
Blog entries
A Sentimental Journey
Carl Laubin's journey in the creation of his solo show -
Blog entries
New destination on the Grand Tour
RIBA J article written by Hugh Pearman -
Blog entries
An Interview with Carl Laubin
November 30, 2016 -
Blog entries
Carl Laubin: A Sentimental Journey Private View
With guest speaker Prof. Adrian von Buttlar -
Blog entries
Countdown to the Carl Laubin Show!
Carl Laubin: A Sentimental Journey -
Blog entries
November News
-
Blog entries
Elena Molinari Interview
Exhibition 'The Alchemy of the Everyday' runs until 19th November November 2nd 2016 -
Blog entries
Private View: Elena Molinari: The Alchemy of the Everyday
-
Blog entries
Elena Molinari: The Alchemy of the Everyday
Invitation -
Blog entries
Elena Molinari: The Alchemy of the Everyday
October 7, 2016Plus One Gallery is delighted to announce 'The Alchemy of the Everyday', the forthcoming solo show by Uruguayan gallery artist Elena Molinari. -
Blog entries
What's New This October
October 4, 2016It has been an exciting year so far and it doesn't look to be slowing down with some fabulous new works from the likes of Alexandra Klimas, Pedro Campos and Roger Watt. -
Blog entries
An Interview with Tom Martin
October 12, 2016Plus One Gallery catches up with hyperrealist Tom Martin to discuss his creative process and why he is keen to distance himself from the restraints of a digital camera. -
Blog entries
Reinterpreting the American Dream in hyperrealism
October 5, 2016 -
Blog entries
Plus One Gallery Official Opening Show
September 22, 2016 -
Blog entries
Opening Show: Battersea Reach
September 15, 2016We are excited to launch the opening show at our new premises in Battersea Reach where a range of exquisite hyperrealist art will be on display. -
Blog entries
A trip down memory lane: Nostalgia in hyperrealism
September 8, 2016Plus One Gallery examines nostalgia and hyperrealism, looking at vintage iconography, items and period images rendered in hyperrealistic art. -
Blog entries
New Artists: New Space
September 1, 2016With the launch of our new premises at Battersea Reach, we are delighted to unveil the work of some of our latest artists. -
Blog entries
An interview with Christian Marsh
-
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Thomas Ostenberg
August 25, 2016A closer look at the work of Thomas Ostenberg, whose sculptures explore the theme of motion and balance, reflecting his personal search for emotional equilibrium. -
Blog entries
How to find us at our new premises in Battersea Reach
August 17, 2016To find Plus One Gallery, please follow these instructions and travel directions. -
Blog entries
Sunshine and seasides: Summer in all of its glory
August 10, 2016The summer months breathe new life into the canvases of hyperrealists, as flowers come into full bloom and coastlines shimmer in the unwavering sunlight. -
Blog entries
REMINDER: SUMMER SHOW PRIVATE VIEW
Tuesday 19th July, 6pm-8pm July 14, 2016 -
Blog entries
How is consumerist culture represented in hyperrealism?
June 29, 2016Built around imagery of recognisable brands, celebrity cults and everyday life, consumerist art is rooted in the present social context. -
Blog entries
Plus One Gallery Summer Show
June 27, 2016 -
Blog entries
Relocation to Battersea Reach
June 23, 2016 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: David Finnigan
June 22, 2016British hyperrealist David Finnigan aims to present a style of realism that is both a progressive and experimental development of that genre. -
Blog entries
An interview with Elena Molinari
June 15, 2016Born in Montevideo, Elena Molinari is best known for her still life paintings of fruit and vegetables, often placed in fruit bowls or alongside glass vases and silk cloths. -
Blog entries
Sweet temptation in Hyperrealism
June 9, 2016Using a sensuous palette of colours and textures, many hyperrealist artists explore temptation, primal pleasures and how food can comfort the soul. -
Blog entries
An interview with Nourine Hammad
June 1, 2016Plus One Gallery interviews hyperrealist artist Nourine Hammad about her unique artistic expression and process. -
Blog entries
In full bloom: flowers and their role in hyperrealism
May 25, 2016Hyperrealists are refreshing the still life genre, invigorating paintings of flowers with contemporary techniques that challenge notions of tradition. -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Craig Wylie
May 20, 2016Craig Wylie has developed a multi-faceted but singular approach to hyperrealism that seizes the appearance of his subjects with tremendous fluency and ease. -
Blog entries
Gallery News: We are relocating!
May 17, 2016 -
Blog entries
Why painting maintains a significant role in a world of instant images
May 11, 2016In a world where high-tech photography and instant photo messaging is available at our fingertips, what does hyperrealism give us that photography cannot? -
Blog entries
A taste of your five-a-day in hyperrealism
April 27, 2016Many hyperrealists explore fruit as a representation the transient nature of life, using colour to remind us of the inevitability of mortality and change. -
Blog entries
The influence of pop art in hyperrealism
April 13, 2016Hyperrealism is often considered an advancement of Pop Art and Photorealism and first came to prominence at the turn of the millennium. -
Blog entries
GALLERY NEWS: We are relocating!
April 7, 2016 -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Mike Francis
Combining hyperrealism and commercial illustration April 6, 2016Mike Francis is a photo realist, with a profoundly contemporary imagination, however his technique is deeply rooted in the Old Masters. -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Christian Marsh
Humane landscape hyperrealism March 30, 2016Christian Marsh's body of work consists of large scale paintings, which explore composite views of various cities around the world. -
Blog entries
The hyperrealist travel guide
March 28, 2016Urban hyperrealism takes the modern metropolis as its subject. It challenges the artist to explore hidden meanings and diversity deeply rooted in society. -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Young-Sung Kim
Challenging society's materialism March 16, 2016Young-Sung Kim produces hyperreal paintings of contrasting subject matters to illustrate the differences between the living and the material. -
Blog entries
Artist in Focus: Cynthia Poole
Examining consumerism with nostalgia March 9, 2016Cynthia Poole’s paintings take food packaging, sweet wrappers and chocolate bars as their subject matter; often with a warm nostalgia for the 1980s confectionery. -
Blog entries
Mother's Day
-
Blog entries
Is there a place for artistic interpretation in hyperrealistic art?
January 12, 2016 -
Blog entries
How does the use of photoshop affect hyperrealistic art?
December 16, 2015 -
Blog entries
The difference between Photorealism and Hyperrealism
November 25, 2015 -
Blog entries
Five of the best hyperrealists on Instagram
November 4, 2015 -
Blog entries
New media being used for hyperrealism
Plus One Gallery explores the new media being used within hyperrealism pieces. -
Blog entries
Cities in Real Life: Urban Hyperrealism
Plus One Gallery examines the impact of street culture, through urban art, and its effect on artistic expression within hyper realism pieces. -
Blog entries
A Brief History of Hyperrealism
August 7, 2015Plus One Gallery recaps Hyperrealism with a brief look at the historical influences and movements that led to modern day hyper realistic art.
-