Between Chance and Rhyme | A new collection of work | 2008
The practice of painting changes in response to contemporary trends, however there are painters who reflect contemporary moods while retaining the qualities of traditional painters. Tom Climent is a painter who is skilled with the use of both paint and brushes. Tom’s early work was mainly large canvases – seemingly influenced by Baroque painters and while the work is not entirely figurative it suggests figurative themes.
The works included in this selection reflect subtle changes in Tom’s work – there is increased intimacy which can be seen in the smaller works. Coupled with intimacy is an emerging lyrical quality. This poetic quality begins with the inspiration behind the work. The sensitive application of colours the resulting textures and associated use of light and dark also contribute to this newly expressed lyricism. However, it should not be assumed that the older dramatic qualities have been abandoned. Tom continues to explore dramatic themes however his means of distillation and expressing his response on canvas is now more measured, refined and responsive. This marks this selection as another phase in the evolution of Tom’s work.
The spirit thread evident in all Tom’s work is the desire to speak the language of painting – a voice that speaks with paint, colour and canvas. Like Rilke’s Lacemaker it can be understood as
‘…an urgency within herself, a joy,
and out of it this object had to grow
substantial, insubstantial as our destiny;
beauty as perfect as if made to show
a time had come to smile – a time to fly? ‘
Tom Climent is one of Ireland’s most distinguished younger painters, his paintings are an expression of his own being, they are not a response to trends or changing fashion. The works included in this selection stand alone and mark another phase of the artist’s evolution.
Virginia Teehan Director Hunt Museum