Kleiner Shames. (b. Oxford, UK. 1988)

Kleiner Shames is a self taught British artist whose practice emerged from an early background in graffiti, shaping a bold, intuitive visual language built from abstract letter forms.

His visual language has evolved from its graffiti roots into dynamic abstraction, exploring the relationships between form, colour, space, and surface. While his early work referenced lettering directly, his current compositions transform these origins into interlocking shapes and bold forms that are kinetic, playful, and visually striking.

Working across a variety of media, Kleiner embraces a process-driven approach, often developing his work directly on surfaces without preliminary sketches. His practice spans painting, printmaking, assemblage, public murals and more recently sculpture.

Kleiner Shames’ work combines immediacy and dynamic expression with the discipline and rigor of formal abstraction. His pieces invite viewers to explore visual rhythm and spatial relationships, reflecting a keen awareness of movement and the traces we leave in the world.

As well as showing his work with galleries, he is open to commissions and collaborations. For exhibition, collaboration, commission or available work enquiries, please contact his agent, Hannah Andrews, through the contact page.

Exhibitions

‘The Mixtape / 2025’ The Vanner Gallery, Salisbury, UK. 2025
‘Tom Leaper & Friends’ Penwith Gallery, St Ives, UK. 2025
‘Big Country’ Penwith Gallery, St Ives, UK. 2024
‘Something New From Repetition’ Foyle Studio, Tate, St Ives, UK. 2023
‘I Left My Cowboy Hat in St Ives’ Penwith Gallery, St Ives,, UK. 2023
‘Accumulate’ That Art Gallery, Bristol, UK. 2023
‘Something New From Repetition’ Jupiter Gallery, Newlyn, Cornwall, UK. 2022
‘Combinate’ Cor Gallery, Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. 2022
‘Variants’ PZ Gallery, Penzance, Cornwall, UK. 2018

Awards / Residencies

Fes Art Residency. 2025
Young Penwith Artist. 2023
Genesis Foundation Kickstart Fund. 2022

Press

Martin Holman responds to ‘Something New From Repetition’
Newquay Mural 2024