Alexandra Klimas paints what lies closest to her heart: realistic, almost lifelike portraits. With an eye for detail and an almost tangible precision, she captures both farm animals and birds in oil paintings. She plays with nuances, where some parts are rendered in (hyper)realistic detail while others are intentionally left looser, creating a vibrant, breathtaking whole that reveals the soul of each animal.
Farm Animals
Each farm animal becomes an intense, intimate portrait. Alexandra paints these animals for a reason: while pets are pampered and adored, animals in the livestock industry are often hidden from our view. She seeks to bring this group of ‘forgotten’ animals to light. She asks: does our perception of these animals change when we see them differently?
Alexandra Klimas has long questioned how our society operates, especially our consumption patterns, excess, overproduction, and the way we treat animals. She is concerned about transport, factory farming, and how animals are treated throughout their lives and at the end. This is why she only visits farms where animals are well cared for, and where animal welfare is a priority.
Her models have names and compel the viewer to form an intimate relationship with them. And that’s precisely her goal. “I’m not an activist,” she says, “I’m an artist, and I create artworks. Art should move people and make them think. I’m happy if people feel more connected to this group of ‘forgotten’ animals. While sketching on the farm, I get to know them personally, including their different characters. I try to paint each animal as lifelike as possible, capturing their unique character and emotion.”
Birds
In her bird paintings, Alexandra Klimas depicts the entire bird, often within still life compositions. This choice reflects a deeper symbolism: her art not only showcases the beauty of birds but also conveys a message about their vulnerability and the importance of their protection. Though garden birds are closer to humans, Klimas believes they are undervalued. She worries about urbanization and the loss of green spaces, which take a toll on birds, butterflies, and bees.
During moments of quiet in her garden, Klimas conceived the idea of capturing live birds in still lifes. She paints them with the same precision as her other subjects, as an ode to nature, which is increasingly under pressure in our urban environments. Klimas hopes that her art inspires people to make their surroundings greener and more vibrant, thereby helping to prevent the loss of biodiversity.
