1. Vera Klement, Painter Who Saw Both Beauty and Evil, Dies at 93
2. Vera Klement, Painter Who Explored Beauty and Darkness, Passes Away at 93.

Vera Klement: Celebrating the Life and Art of a Renowned Painter

Background and Biography

Vera Klement, a celebrated painter known for her unique blend of abstract and figurative art, passed away recently. Born in 1929 in Berlin, Germany, Klement grew up in a family that valued art and culture. Her parents recognized her artistic talent from an early age and encouraged her to pursue her passion.

During World War II, Klement’s family fled Germany and eventually settled in New York. It was here that she began her artistic journey, studying at the Art Students League and earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Chicago. Klement then went on to complete her Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of California, Berkeley.

Achievements and Contributions

Throughout her career, Klement made significant contributions to the art world. In the 1970s, she became an active member of the Artemisia Gallery, a feminist cooperative in Chicago, and was one of the founding members of the Five, a group of abstract artists. Together, they organized exhibitions of monumental artworks displayed in the lobbies of prominent buildings in Chicago.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Klement also dedicated herself to teaching. She joined the faculty of the University of Chicago in the 1970s and remained a respected and influential teacher until her retirement in 1995. Her students remember her as a mentor who encouraged them to express their own ideas and find a balance between skill and conceptualization.

Recognition and Legacy

Over the years, Klement’s work received widespread recognition and acclaim. In 1981, she was awarded a prestigious Guggenheim fellowship, further solidifying her position as a respected artist. Her paintings, which often combined abstract and figurative elements, explored themes of identity, culture, and personal expression.

Klement’s art resonated with audiences and art enthusiasts around the world, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists. Her unique approach to painting, blending craftsmanship with thought-provoking ideas, left an indelible mark on the art world.

Personal Life and Final Years

Beyond her artistic achievements, Klement had a rich personal life. She was married twice, first to Werner Torkanowsky, a violinist and conductor, and later to Ralph Shapey, a composer and conductor. Both marriages ended in divorce. Klement is survived by her life partner, Peter Baker, a retired pediatrician, and her son, Mr. Shapey.

In 2019, Klement completed her final masterpiece, “Carpeted,” an Abstract Expressionist painting depicting a flying carpet. After its completion, she decided to retire from painting, feeling that she had expressed everything she wanted to through her art.

Vera Klement’s passing is a great loss to the art world, but her contributions and influence will continue to be celebrated and admired. Her unique artistic vision and dedication to her craft will forever be remembered as she leaves behind a lasting legacy.

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– Vera Klement painter
– Beauty and evil in art.