Philip Clairmont

Staircase Night Triptych

Staircase Night Triptych by Philip Clairmont

Artwork Detail

‘A triptych is a very challenging format.’

Philip Clairmont

Clairmont combines three perspectives, and gazes upwards and downwards. The dizzying views suggest that the space itself is experiencing a continuous vertigo. These stairs are thrilling and scary at the same moment. Danger and delight are ever present – like an especially thrilling movie.

Exposed light bulbs highlight the jagged blackened reds, scorched yellows and the midnight-blues. Clairmont’s use of dry, fractured colour further communicates a mood of exalted delight. This staircase possesses an authentic drama, as if a real physical entity is about to be encountered.

(Self and Other, 2003)

Title
Staircase Night Triptych
Artist/creator
Philip Clairmont
Production date
1978
Medium
acrylic and oil on jute
Dimensions
1775 x 2820 mm
Credit line
Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 1987
Accession no
C1994/1/197.1-3
Copyright
Copying restrictions apply
Department
New Zealand Art
Display status
Not on display

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