Dominique Kleiner
Dominique Kleiner , painter and passionate creator, is a rising figure of contemporary Pop Art. Born in 1967 in Douai, he currently lives and works in Fécamp, France. His work, influenced by the worlds of Japanese animation and comics, revisits with modernity and nostalgia the emblematic heroes of the 70s, 80s and 90s, such as Albator, Goldorak or Astro Boy. His unique style, mixing pop culture, street art and dynamic collage, appeals to a wide audience, and the price of his works continues to grow.
Goldorak Heroes 80 (2023), Dominique Kleiner, Digital painting on Plexiglas, 40x80 cm
Pop Art and the Nostalgia Craze
Pop Art, born in the 1950s with Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, has always drawn inspiration from popular culture, advertising, and mainstream imagery. Today, in a world where nostalgia for decades past is stronger than ever, Pop Art is experiencing a spectacular revival. Dominique Kleiner's works fit perfectly into this trend, playing on collective memory and the modern reinterpretation of mythical figures. Through his vibrant compositions and urban aesthetic, he offers a contemporary and dynamic vision of the icons of Japanese animation that have influenced several generations.
Around Goldorak (2023), Dominique Kleiner, Digital painting on Plexiglas, 40x80 cm
Some Key Works by Kleiner
In 2022, he paid tribute to Albator with " Family Photo ," a vibrant montage where cult characters such as Albator, Emeraldas, and Sylvidra are integrated into a street art-inspired setting. The bright colors, paint chips, and fluorescent neon lights create an urban, modern atmosphere while retaining the essence of the original cartoon. The following year, in 2023, Kleiner celebrated Goldorak 's legacy with " Héros 80 ," a spectacular composition placing the giant robot alongside other major figures in Japanese animation such as Actarus, Alcor , and even Albator . The cosmic background and touches of graffiti infuse this fresco with a decidedly modern energy, while paying homage to the golden age of television animation. Still in 2023, " Autour de Goldorak " presents itself as a true fresco dedicated to the world of super robots, highlighting Goldorak in a dynamic posture, surrounded by emblematic characters such as Astro Boy and the heroes of Gatchaman . The aesthetic, borrowing from American comics and graffiti, gives a unique touch to this composition which skillfully mixes nostalgia and contemporaneity.
2 Team Goldorak (2024), Dominique Kleiner, Digital painting on Aluminum, 50x100 cm
In 2024, with " Team Goldorak ," Kleiner brought together several heroes from Go Nagai 's creations, including Goldorak, Mazinger Z, and Cutey Honey . The work plays on a layering of dynamic visual elements, paying homage to iconic figures of Japanese animation while integrating street art and digital collage effects. The same year, " 1 Goldorak" presents the famous robot in a spectacular combat pose, accompanied by a comic book-style background. The onomatopoeia and explosions of color evoke both American comics and the world of manga, creating a bridge between different aesthetics of popular culture.
1 Goldorak (2024), Dominique Kleiner, Sculpture - Digital painting, 50x100 cm
A Constantly Increasing Rating
Dominique Kleiner has established herself in the contemporary art market thanks to a sustained presence and international recognition. Her works have been auctioned 55 times, primarily in the painting category, reflecting growing demand and appreciation for her work. This market visibility is reinforced by exhibitions in diverse venues, such as Lebanon and Honfleur, as well as sales of her works around the world, including in Hong Kong and the United States. These factors, combined with rising auction prices, demonstrate a continued rise in her reputation on the art market.
Far from being simple tributes, Kleiner's works reinterpret legendary figures with a modern twist, inscribing them within an innovative visual dynamic. The artist thus demonstrates that Pop Art, when reinvented with talent and passion, remains a timeless and constantly evolving movement.
Albator family photo (2022), Dominique Kleiner, Digital painting on Plexiglas, 80x60 cm
Jean Dubreil
| ArtMajeur Magazine