James Klinge

Bio

James Klinge (b. 1983) is a contemporary artist based in Glasgow, Scotland, known for his emotionally charged portraits and figurative paintings that merge classical influence with street art techniques. His practice is defined by a distinctive combination of finely controlled spray paint, hand-cut stencils, and expressive palette knife mark-making—a style he describes as “controlled chaos.”

Klinge originally gained recognition under the pseudonym Klingatron, creating intricately detailed stencil works anonymously for over a decade before stepping into the public eye in 2016. With that shift came a significant evolution in his work: his pieces began to incorporate greater texture, physicality and painterly freedom, fusing the precision of his street art background with the raw energy of traditional oil painting.

Whether working on canvas or on walls at mural scale, Klinge’s subjects often explore themes of identity, history and emotional presence. His current work draws influence from the classical masters of portraiture while reinterpreting these traditions through a modern lens. The figures he portrays are often imbued with vulnerability and introspection, reflecting his ongoing interest in the psychological dimensions of portraiture.

Over the past two decades, Klinge has exhibited internationally and continues to push the boundaries of his medium, creating paintings that captivate through texture, intensity, and quiet emotional resonance.