David W. Kaplan

David Kaplan’s paintings stand as vibrant expressions within the realm of abstract expressionism and color field art. With a masterful command of color and form, Kaplan’s works captivate viewers with their emotive depth and expansive visual language.

In his creations, Kaplan skillfully manipulates color to evoke a range of emotions and sensations. Bold, saturated hues intermingle with subtle gradients, creating dynamic compositions that draw the eye and stir the soul. His palette spans the spectrum, from warm, fiery tones to cool, tranquil shades, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world of chromatic richness.

Within Kaplan’s oeuvre, the principles of color field art are evident in his emphasis on large, expansive fields of color that dominate the canvas. These fields are not merely static backgrounds but rather dynamic spaces that seem to pulsate with energy and movement. Through layers of translucent washes and gestural brushstrokes, Kaplan achieves a sense of depth and dimensionality, inviting viewers to explore the nuances of each hue and the interplay between light and shadow.

Yet, beyond their purely visual appeal, Kaplan’s paintings resonate on a deeper, more visceral level. They are imbued with a sense of spontaneity and raw emotion, reflecting the artist’s innermost thoughts and feelings. Each brushstroke is infused with intentionality, conveying a sense of urgency and immediacy that speaks to the human experience.

In essence, David Kaplan’s paintings transcend mere abstraction, serving as portals to the realm of the subconscious and the ineffable. Through his mastery of color and form, he invites viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where emotions are felt rather than seen, and beauty resides in the realm of the intangible.

His more recent works reflect a profound resonance with the artistic philosophy and aesthetic sensibilities of Makoto Fujimura. Drawing inspiration from Fujimura’s unique blend of traditional Japanese Nihonga techniques and contemporary abstraction, Kaplan’s works evoke a sense of reverence for the natural world and the spiritual dimensions of existence.

Like Fujimura, Kaplan’s paintings often incorporate elements of Japanese aesthetics, such as wabi-sabi — the appreciation of imperfection and transience — and yūgen, the mysterious and profound beauty of the natural world. Through subtle nuances of color and texture, Kaplan creates works that invite contemplation and introspection, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in the subtle complexities of each composition.

In essence, David Kaplan’s paintings serve as a testament to the enduring influence of Makoto Fujimura’s artistic vision. Through their masterful technique, reverence for nature, and exploration of the spiritual dimensions of art, Kaplan’s works pay homage to Fujimura’s legacy while charting their own unique path within the realm of contemporary abstraction.

Kaplan’s exploration into the realm of color field digital neon represents a fusion of traditional abstract expressionism with contemporary digital techniques, resulting in a visually captivating and immersive experience. With a nod to the pioneering spirit of color field artists, Kaplan pushes the boundaries of the genre by incorporating neon hues and digital mediums to create works that are at once familiar and strikingly modern.

Utilizing digital tools, Kaplan achieves a heightened intensity of color, with hues that seem to radiate with an otherworldly glow. The boundaries between color fields blur and dissolve, creating a sense of fluidity and dynamism that draws viewers deeper into the composition.

At its core, David Kaplan’s color field digital neon pieces represent a continuation of the exploratory spirit of abstract expressionism, embracing innovation while staying true to the fundamental principles of color, form, and emotion. Through their luminous beauty and immersive qualities, Kaplan’s works invite viewers to transcend the ordinary and embark on a journey of sensory discovery, where the boundaries between the tangible and the intangible are blurred, and the possibilities are endless.