Francesco Clemente: Three Worlds

Published in conjunction with an exhibition organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this volume describes and displays the powerful work of Clemente (b. 1952, Naples), a dramatic Neo-expressionist who divides his time (and his artistic attention) between the "three worlds" of Rome, Madras, and New York. With 180 illustrations, 110 in color. 9<3/4>x11<1/2>". Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

One of the most imaginative figurative artists of his generation, Francesco Clemente gives concrete form to psychic states, febrile projects of his relentless quest for unity. In Hunger , a bent, apparently nude man bites down bloodily on the trunk of a huge snake coiled in a circle, devouring its own tail against an ominous smoky violet sky and green sea. Glowingly colorful portraits evoke shades of despair, guilt, joy, rage, rebellion and disillusionment. One series of paintings fuses the style of classical Indian miniatures with popular, kitsch, erotic and mythological imagery. The Naples-born painter, who divides his time between Rome, New York and Madras, creates a fragmentary circus of the mind whose phantasms attest to the fact that every artwork is an open-ended set of possibilities resisting literal definition. This lavishly illustrated catalogue documents a touring exhibition that opened at the Philadelphia Museum, where Percy is curator of drawings. Foye is a publisher of prints and art books.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In dreamlike juxtaposition, ordinary objects and images float through the traditional materials with which Clemente creates his unique world. These images, in ink, gouache, watercolor, and a variety of other media, are at times disturbing, amusing, and provocative but always original. This work, published in conjunction with a traveling exhibition organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, presents the synthesis of the influences of geography and culture upon the artist. There is mysticism and kitsch, mythology and classical art in the small-scale, surreal world of Clemente. Accompanying text explores the personality and performance in biographical, geographical, and philosophical aspects and excellent illustrations point up the theme of renewal outside everyday experience.
- Paula Frosch, Metropolitan Museum of Art Lib., New York
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.