“In art you can express your thoughts, emotions, feelings, reveal your soul.”
Exploring the World of Many Styles
Ivan Klymenko, an ultra-contemporary artist living and working in Prague, Czech Republic, has carved a unique niche in the art world. With a background rich in classical education and professional design training, Klymenko’s journey spans multiple genres and mediums, ranging from realism and impressionism to abstraction and collage. While he initially experimented with materials such as charcoal, pastels, ink, and watercolor, his primary focus today lies in oil paints on canvas, a medium that allows him to explore depth, texture, and expression in ways that resonate with both him and his audience. His work has graced both solo and group exhibitions, transcending local boundaries to reach an international platform, capturing attention not only in Europe but also globally.
Klymenko’s extensive exploration of various artistic styles has allowed him to adopt a versatile approach to his work. His ability to transition fluidly between realism, expressionism, and abstraction showcases a broad creative range, setting him apart in the contemporary art scene. Yet, at the core of his practice lies an enduring love for the oil medium, where he finds both comfort and inspiration. Each brushstroke on the canvas becomes a conversation between tradition and innovation, creating a dialogue that continues to evolve with each new piece he produces. This blend of classical training and personal evolution has positioned Klymenko as a vital force in today’s artistic community.
Beyond his technical skills, Klymenko’s artistic career is deeply rooted in his personal experiences. His education at art school, combined with professional training in advertising design, has helped shape his vision and voice as an artist. However, his journey goes beyond formal education—his passion for art saved him in more ways than one, offering a sanctuary for emotional expression and individuality. Art, for Klymenko, is not merely a vocation but a means to express his innermost thoughts and emotions, giving form to the intangible and breathing life into the beauty he sees in the world.
Ivan Klymenko: Inspirations and Influences
Klymenko draws inspiration from a variety of sources, yet few have had a more profound impact on him than the masters of classical art. Claude Monet, in particular, stands as a beacon of influence, both in style and technique. Klymenko’s admiration for Monet’s ability to capture the interplay of earth, water, and air is evident, especially in his own works that often feature similar themes of nature and elements. Monet’s painting, The Bath at La Grenouillère, holds a special place in Klymenko’s heart. For him, the painting represents more than a visual experience—it embodies the delicate balance between realism and atmosphere, where water and air merge seamlessly into a unified composition. The skill with which Monet rendered these natural elements has left a lasting impression on Klymenko, guiding his own artistic explorations.
Yet Monet is not the only artist who has shaped Klymenko’s vision. His admiration extends to a wide array of artists, each of whom has left an indelible mark on his creative process. Vincent van Gogh’s emotive color palette, Salvador Dalí’s surrealist dreamscapes, and Pablo Picasso’s groundbreaking cubism are all touchpoints in Klymenko’s ever-evolving body of work. The bold experimentation seen in these artists’ careers resonates with his own philosophy of creation—never being confined to one style or medium, but instead embracing the boundless possibilities that art presents. From Jackson Pollock’s action painting to Gerhard Richter’s abstract compositions, Klymenko finds kindred spirits in those who dared to push the boundaries of what art could be.
While deeply inspired by these titans of the art world, Klymenko’s work remains distinctively his own. His ability to absorb and reinterpret these influences without being overshadowed by them is a testament to his skill and originality. Each of his paintings is a conversation between the past and the present, a reinterpretation of classical themes with a modern sensibility. In this way, Klymenko continues the legacy of the artists he admires, while forging his own unique path in contemporary art.
Crafting the Ideal Creative Environment
Klymenko’s artistic process is as multifaceted as his work itself. For him, creativity is not simply about the physical act of painting, but about cultivating an environment that nurtures inspiration and focus. Central to this environment is music, which plays an integral role in his creative routine. Music, Klymenko believes, has the power to sync with the rhythm of his painting, guiding his brushstrokes and helping him to tune out distractions. This auditory backdrop allows him to immerse himself fully in the act of creation, transforming his workspace into a sanctuary where ideas can flow freely.
Beyond music, Klymenko’s studio setup is quite traditional, relying on the classic tools of the trade—an easel, brushes, paints, and palette. While the setup may be simple, it is the combination of these tools with his boundless imagination that brings his visions to life. His ability to focus on the essentials and eliminate unnecessary distractions speaks to his disciplined approach, even when working within a genre as free-form as abstraction or collage. Inspiration, he notes, is the true catalyst for his work—without it, even the most well-equipped studio would feel empty.
Despite the importance of external factors like his workspace and music, Klymenko also acknowledges that the most significant elements of his artistic process come from within. His dedication to creating meaningful art stems from a deep sense of purpose, a drive to express the inexpressible. For him, the studio is not just a physical space but an extension of his inner world, where the lines between thought and action blur. This connection between his emotional state and his environment allows him to produce work that is as introspective as it is visually striking.
Ivan Klymenko: A Vision of the Future
Looking to the future, Klymenko envisions a grand project that would encapsulate his entire artistic journey—a retrospective exhibition. This dream of curating an exhibition that spans his entire body of work is both a personal and professional ambition. Such an exhibition would not only allow him to showcase the breadth of his creations but would also offer audiences a glimpse into the evolution of his style and technique over the years. The retrospective would be a culmination of his life’s work, a narrative that captures his growth as an artist and reflects the various influences that have shaped his creative process.
Klymenko’s ambition to stage this retrospective speaks to his desire to connect more deeply with his audience. Through this exhibition, he hopes to take viewers on a journey through the different phases of his career, illustrating how his artistic voice has developed and matured. It would be an opportunity to bring together pieces from various points in his life, from his early explorations in mixed media to his more recent, refined oil paintings. This retrospective would serve not only as a personal milestone but as a celebration of his contributions to the world of contemporary art.
As Klymenko continues to work towards this dream, his artistic practice remains as dynamic and innovative as ever. While the idea of a retrospective suggests looking back, Klymenko is far from finished in his artistic journey. With each new painting, he continues to push boundaries and challenge himself, embracing the unpredictability of the creative process. Whether working on a large-scale oil painting or a delicate collage, Klymenko remains dedicated to his craft, always seeking new ways to express the beauty he sees in the world.
