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“I don't know where I come from, I don't know where I'm going, but I know I'm on my way,” says Aivars Kleins about his life, quoting a wise man.

Aivars Kleins' artistic path is based on three pillars: God, nature, and work. These values are inherited from a childhood spent in the 1960s-1970s in the countryside near the picturesque “Māķi” of Virgas Lanka.

In 1981, after graduating from the Liepaja Art School, Aivars Kleins had the opportunity to materialize his childhood knowledge. The painter Valters Uzticis taught Aivars Kleins the basics of painting. In art school, while gaining knowledge about different periods of art, Aivars Kleins tried out different painting styles – from icons to pointillism. He is said to have stopped at Cubism.

In the early 1990s, when the double-bass player Aleksandrs Strelits-Strēle allegedly took Aivars Kleins to his first trout river, trout rivers became the painter's central painting motif. As the artist admits, in 30 years, he has walked many rivers in the forests of Lower Kurzeme, finding solace in the fabulous harmony of nature.

In 1993, Aivars Kleins graduated from the Art Academy of Latvia. His studies broadened his creative field of vision but did not change his values in painting – to adhere to classical realism.

Fifteen years ago, Aivars Kleins' eyesight deteriorated, and he decided to follow in the footsteps of the impressionist Edgar Degas, who turned to ballerinas because of his vision problems, but Aivars Kleins started carving one-pieces – bowls and spoons, boats too, but small ones. Now, thanks to medical advances, his sight has been restored, and he feels a great calling to continue, God willing, on his path as a painter.

Aivars Kleins (1962) is a Liepāja resident, wood carver, and artist who, together with his wife Inga Kleins, is the founder and owner of the art salon “Ludviķis.”

The exhibition “My Way” will be open until 31 December 2023 at the Liepāja Museum, 16/18 Kūrmājas Ave.

Please note that photography and video will be taken during the opening. The footage will be used to advertise the event and the Liepāja Museum. By being in the event area, you acknowledge that you are aware of being included in the audio or visual material.

Attached: Liepaja SEZ publicity images (artist in plein air).

Rasa Zālīte,
Liepāja Museum
Public Relations Specialist
Mob. +371 22333723
E-mail: rasa.zalite@liepaja.lv