The first museum exhibition devoted to the Indian influences in Clemente’s work and how they relate to the artistic practices and traditions of various regions in India features approximately 20 works, including paintings from the last 30 years, and four new, larger than life-size sculptures created especially for the exhibition. In contrast to leading conceptual art practices of the 1970s, Clemente refocused attention on representation, narrative, and the figure, and explored traditional, artisanal materials and modes of working.
Since his first trip to India in the 1970s, Francesco Clemente immersed himself in the country’s rich cultures as well as the everyday life and artistic practices of local people. Transforming ancient symbols, myths, and ideas, he has created a personal visual language of dreamlike landscapes, animals, and human figures drawn from recollections of his travels. Themes of sexuality, mythology, and spirituality, along with imaginary narratives of violence, intrigue, fragmentation, love, separation, and jealousy are seen throughout his oeuvre.
Curated by Beth Citron
Support for this exhibition has been provided by Agnes Gund and Contributors to the 2014 Exhibitions Fund.
Image credit: Francesco Clemente (b. 1952); The Four Corners, 1985; gouache on twelve sheets of handmade Pondicherry paper joined with handwoven cotton strips; Private Collection
Related Programming
ClementeX8
Francesco Clemente took to the stage with eight personalities from different walks of life (October 1 - November 9) incl. rocker and poet Patti Smith, theater visionary Robert Lepage, rapper-philanthropist Nas, Clemente’s spiritual teacher Gelek Rimpoche, chef Eric Ripert, architect Billie Tsien, The Sopranos creator David Chase, and Oscar-winning film director (Gravity) Alfonso Cuarón.
Films
Francesco Clemente’s film choices for Cabaret Cinema on Friday nights.
Gallery Talks
Artists on Art featuring Jeni Spota, Fred Tomaselli, Julian Schnabel, Philip Taaffe, Sandeep Mukherjee, David Salle, Terry Winters, and Swoon.
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