September 5, 2014 – February 2, 2015
Francesco Clemente: Inspired by India http://www.rubinmuseum.org/exhibitions/view/2556
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
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
On-Stage Conversations: ClementeX8 Francesco Clemente on stage with eight personalities from different walks of life (October 1 – November 9) incl. rocker and poet Patti Smith, theater visionary Robert Lepage, rapper-philanthropistNas, Clemente’s spiritual teacher Gelek Rimpoche, chef Eric Ripert, architectBillie Tsien, The Sopranos creator David Chase, and Oscar-winning film director (Gravity) Alfonso Cuarón. Videos from this series
Related Films: Francesco Clemente’s film choices for Cabaret Cinema on Friday nights.
Gallery Talks: Artists on Art featuring Jeni Spota (Sept. 19), Fred Tomaselli (Sept. 26), Julian Schnabel (Oct. 3), Philip Taaffe (Oct. 17), Sandeep Mukherjee (Oct. 24), David Salle (Nov. 7), Terry Winters (Nov. 14), and Swoon (Nov. 21). Videos from this series
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