The artist/sister collaboration known as KX2 combines the strengths of Dana Kleinman and Ruth Avra. Their work was swiftly put into the public eye with an invitation to represent the United States at the 2008 Beijing Biennale at the National Museum of China, running in conjunction with the Summer Olympics. Since 2007, their work has been featured in numerous museums and galleries across the United States and abroad.
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| KX2: Dana Kleinman and Ruth Avra Kleinman |
Perhaps it was blood, or simply a similar upbringing, that eventually led to the coming together of aesthetics. Whether arranged in group installations or solo pieces, each work involves a sense of rhythm and mathematics. Not only does this reflect nature in its patterns, but it also ties the artists together as sisters, who were undeniably influenced by their mathematician father and scientist mother.
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| ID SERIES: ROSALINDAluminum, Acrylic on Wood Panel 52″ x 52″ |
The duo recently held Spring-Summer Exhibitions at CICA Museum, Korea; Whitewall Contemporary “Water” in Delray Beach, FL; the Market Art + Design Hamptons fair in July 2019 at the Bridgehampton Museum, NY. KX2 has artwork in galleries throughout the United States and two galleries in Florida, represented by MAC Fine Art in Fort Lauderdale and Jupiter; as well as Whitewall Contemporary in Delray Beach.
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Portal Series: Blue & GoldDana Kleinman & Ruth Avra Collection
New ArtRolled Stainless Steel, Powder Coated70″ x 67″ x 48″ |
They are currently exhibiting in the group show ‘New Industry: Contemporary Visions of the Industrial‘ at The Frank Modern in Pembroke Pines, FL. The exhibition opened on Thursday, August 29th and focuses on industrial aesthetic, blurring the lines between fine art, mechanical design and fabrication while also challenging traditional artmaking materials and techniques. New Industry is on display from August 29th through October 26th, 2019.
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| KX2 at The Frank Gallery in Pembroke Pines, New Industry: Contemporary Visions of the Industrial, which runs from August 29 through October 26, 2019. |
From a distance, the work looks sleek and high contrast with hyper-pigmented painting and shiny metal. Yet, up close the viewer is struck by textural multilayered paintings inspired by natural surfaces.
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PIPELINE SERIES: SOLAR POWER10.5″ Diameter Panels with Depth Ranging 2-4″ (angled)
Repurposed Industrial Pipe with Painting on Wood Interiors |
By undermining the minimalist first impression the work brings a sense of wonder and discovery to the viewer the more time they spend. Multiple panels that shift in depth off the wall talk about boundaries and disparate parts, with geometry and color tying the pieces together and creating connection.
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| KX2 Sculpture, ‘Birthstones Series’, 2016. 3d Powder Coated Aluminum Construction with Painting on Canvas. This work is signed (etched into the metal), each panel is 18″ x 18″ x 4″ |
From KX2’s Birthstones Series pictured above, the panels incorporate 3d aluminum construction with textural painting on canvas seen through cutouts in the metal. The work is bold from a distance yet engaging up close as the viewer discovers the many layers of painting textures and hues. The work is lightweight and can be installed any number of ways.
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| KX2 Installation at Art Fort Lauderdale |
“We tackle various themes through our different series, however the common thread is always connection and balance. We are focused on the solution, not simply illustrating the problem.” The artist duo is environmentally conscious of their material choices, using up to 50% recycled aluminum and recycled canvas.
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| Water Pipes, 2018Repurposed industrial pipe with paint and mixed media, 40″ x 12″ x 12″ |
Dana and Ruth will be hosting a workshop at The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery and Exhibition Hall on Saturday, October 12th from 10am – 12pm when The Frank presents Industrial Adornments. Under the guidance of artist duo KX2, students will discover a variety of beginner jewelry-making techniques, essential terminology and an introduction to basic tools and materials.
A jewelry designer as well as a metalsmith, Ruth Avra holds a degree in Art Jewelry from the University of Wisconsin Madison and runs her own jewelry company, Avra Inc. This event is free to the public. All materials will be provided and there is no prior experience required, ages 12yrs+.
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| Sterling silver open back constructed boxes are 1″ square with a depth slope of 1/8″ to 3/8″. These one-of-a-kind pieces are sealed in resin for protection from the elements, making them water resistant. Each necklace is on a sterling silver 18″ chain necklace. |
To learn more about the fascinating artist duo KX2, and for information on how to purchase or commission their work, please visit www.kx2art.com and browse KX2 Jewelry to view the duo’s one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces.
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