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Clara Ranenfir is a Romanian-born artist currently based in Queens, New York. 

Key aspects of her work and artistic practice:

• Themes: Her work explores themes of contrasts, the primacy of surface, instability between figure and ground, tension with nature, and a fractured beauty. She is also interested in depicting a space devoid of objects and obstacles.

• Mediums: Ranenfir primarily works with painting, including oil on canvas and panel, and also creates monotypes and linocut prints.

• Process: She describes her studio practice as involving both methodical decision-making and a kind of "unfunny playfulness". She is interested in the "processed" quality of everyday objects, particularly food items, which she often paints.

• Influences: Ranenfir admires artists like Vija Celmins, Victor Man, Matthew Wong, and David Hockney, among others. She finds inspiration through other artists, particularly on Instagram, and by seeing artwork in person.

• Background: She initially studied architecture before fully committing to her art practice. Her early experiences, including growing up in post-communist Romania and later living in Los Angeles, have significantly shaped her artistic perspective.

• Artist Statement: Ranenfir's artist statement reflects on her childhood observations and experiences, emphasizing the importance of paying attention and existing in a state of "permanent exile". She describes her art practice as a way of framing reality through observation and memory.