Kleiner Shames creates vivid works informed by typography and graffiti. Painting directly onto the surface, Kleiner Shames intuitively builds each composition as he works, allowing forms to direct where he goes next. He works in painting, printmaking, and sculpture.
Previously working as a sign painter, Kleiner Shames uses typography as the staple for his imagery. He abstracts letters into dimensional forms, playing with their shadows against negative space. He is also interested in the dynamics of graffiti painting - he says, ‘Graffiti requires accuracy and speed… once the piece is done, then there’s another artist chomping at the bit to take you out. You’re lucky if your efforts last a week. But it’s good practice.’
Kleiner Shames currently works in Penzance, Cornwall. He has completed several large-scale commissions including painting the May Queen dazzle ferry in Falmouth & a mural workshop at Tate St Ives.