Bleed me

Oil on wood panel

90x60cm

Until I’m dry

Oil and acrylic on wood panel

120x90cm

This duo marked the first exploration of ornamentalism in Clulow’s work, offering a free and more creative approach compared to their current process. Both pieces feature carpet-like backgrounds with nude figures atop a kaleidoscope of colors. The drained, lifeless pigmentation of their skin contrasts sharply with the vibrant environment. The compositions are largely flat, with no horizon line or fixed dimension; the only suggestion of space comes from the shadows cast beneath the figures. These works were a way to explore the subconscious, the freedom of the patterns reflecting the artists mental state at the time. This psychological exploration brought forth a realization of themes highlighting sexuality, as well as societal and patriarchal expectations. These figures served as the first self-portraits in Clulow’s work, marking the beginning of the deeply personal themes that would follow. Bleed me was created entirely in oil paint, while Until I’m dry combines oil and acrylic. The process behind the works creation involved the construction of a basic composition using shapes and colours, followed by multiple layers of painted patterns, sometimes overlapping. Until I’m dry includes several under-paintings, around three carpet layers beneath the final version.