970. Francesco Clemente (1952-),

Italian, Untitled, 1983. Oil and wax

on canvas, 1.98 x 2.63 m. Expressionism.

 

 

Francesco Clemente

(1952 Naples –)

 

Francesco Clemente is an Italian self-taught painter who originally studied architecture at the University of Rome in 1970. Following his studies he began experimenting with psychedelics and travelled to India to experience Hindu spirituality. In 1974 he met Joseph Beuys and became involved in the Transavanguardia, a period of experiment that resulted in his hallucinatory style. His works referred to both surrealism and expressionism and he expressed an infernal imaginary world with livid tones, leaden greys, violet-toned nocturnes, olive or petrol greens. The range of his paintings includes tragic scenes to ironic self portraits. Since 1982 he has spent his time between Italy, New York City and Chennai in India where he collaborates with local artists.