PROFILE
“To be an artist is to believe in life.”
Henry Moore is right. It is a way to push back against the darkness,
the political, the efforts to lock us up in our fear.
I was an activist pastor for 50 years pushing back against the darkness.
Abstract painting is a new expression of resistance.
Georgia O’Keeffe said “I found I could say things with color and shapes
that I couldn’t say any other way—things I had no words for.”
I seek through my art to spread light against the darkness.
About Paul Kittlaus at Alden Road Abstracts:
“Abstracts Speak to Painter Paul Kittlaus’ Exploration of Abstracts in Resistance”
Claremont, CA – September 16, 2017 – An exhibition of new abstract paintings by Reverend Paul Kittlaus will be featured during the month of April at the Claremont Forum’s Gallery in downtown Claremont, California. An opening reception on Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm will feature an introduction by Rev. Kittlaus to the diverse selection of acrylic on canvas paintings representing “Abstracts in Resistance” the artist is exploring. The evening includes refreshments.
About this exhibit Kittlaus stated:
“Tyrants seek to bind us with anxiety and despair. Wonder and hope are powerful forms of resistance. These abstract paintings seek to awaken that wonder and hope.”
An emerging artist and Claremont resident, Rev. Kittlaus earlier this year participated in a group exhibition at the gallery featuring paintings by members of the Pilgrim Place Painters’ Guild. Rev. Kittlaus’ vibrant, alluring compositions sustain his life-long goal of engaging with people to help them live rich, rewarding lives. He has exhibited paintings at the Claremont Heritage Gallery, the Claremont Foundation Gallery, Pomona Da Gallery, the Claremont Art Museum shows at the Hughes Center and other venues.
“In my career as a minister, I used the English language and theological idioms to help people have more complete and full life experiences – to resolve their struggles and be more joyful. Now retired, I’ve enjoyed painting as an alternative way to communicate and help people transform their experiences,” said Rev. Kittlaus. “Art has had that kind of power for me, and I hope my paintings serve as a catalyst for personal insights and a generally positive view of one’s environment,” he continued.
Rev. Kittlaus studied abstract painting with Laura Young at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico and has learned much about color, composition, tools and techniques through independent research and from his peers at Pilgrim Place.
About Reverend Paul Kittlaus
Reverend Paul Kittlaus was ordained in the United Church of Christ (UCC), San Diego, CA and during his career served UCC church pastorates throughout Southern California and Madison, WI. He also held ecumenical positions to advance theological training and social justice, and served as the director of the UCC Washington Office for The Office for Church in Society. He is a published author and contributor to multiple journals and magazines. Retired in 1999 at Pilgrim Place in Claremont, CA, Rev. Kittlaus is an active steward of the community and a board member of Progressive Christians Uniting, Southern California Ecumenical Council, and Pilgrim Pines Camp. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Missouri, a masters of divinity from the University of Chicago/Chicago Theological Seminary in 1959, and masters in political science from George Washington University in 1981.
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