Life and Artistic Journey
Born in Nelson, New Zealand, Philip Clairmont studied at the Canterbury School of Fine Arts, graduating in 1970 after training under Rudolf Gopas and Doris Lusk. His life was marked by several moves, including time in Waikanae and Wellington, before his final move to Auckland in 1977. Throughout his career, he was represented by various dealer galleries in Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland, such as the Bett-Duncan Gallery and the Closet Artists Gallery. He was known for his drawing and print-making abilities, and his work was featured in several exhibitions, including a survey show organized by the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui. In 1984, he was featured in the exhibition Anxious Images: Aspects of New Zealand Art at the Auckland City Art Gallery.
Style and Subject Matter
Clairmont's work is often classified as expressionist or neo-expressionist, characterized by the use of strong colours and distorted forms. His paintings frequently utilized domestic interiors as subject matter. His early work tended to be focused and detailed, while during his final decade, his work showed a tendency to become looser and less intense. His repertoire included various series, such as Mirrors and Wardrobes, and notable works include:
