About the Artist

Ruby Clulow is a Toronto-based visual artist known for their distinctive ornamentalist style of oil painting, which incorporates fibers and textiles. Blending contemporary and traditional elements, Clulow combines ornamental techniques with classical depictions of the nude, creating intricate, textile-inspired works. Their art is deeply influenced by personal experiences with gender and sexual expression, often explored through the eroticism present in many of their pieces. The female body features prominently in their work, reflecting a complex engagement with pleasure versus performance.

Textile motifs play a central role in Clulow's paintings, serving as vehicles for cultural expression and symbolism. Drawing from their Romanian and Hungarian and Trinidadian heritage, these patterns communicate deeply personal narratives of identity, heritage, and social positioning. The precision and meticulous nature of their technique, coupled with the repetitive, time-consuming process of their work, offer therapeutic value, providing the artist with a means of self-exploration.

Through their art, Clulow delves into themes of sexuality, gender, cultural heritage, and mental health, inviting viewers to engage with the nuanced layers of their identity and creative journey. Each piece is not just a visual expression but a reflective process that reveals the complexities of the artist's inner world.