11 Facts About Philip Clairmont

Philip Clairmont studied in Christchurch under artists Rudolf Gopas and Doris Lusk, graduating from the Canterbury School of Fine Arts in 1970.

Philip Clairmont's work is usually classed as expressionist or neo-expressionist because of the use of strong colours and distorted forms, often with domestic interiors as subject matter.

Philip Clairmont epitomised the stereotypical bohemian artist lifestyle and felt himself that this form of life was necessary for him to regard himself as an authentic artist.

Philip Clairmont committed suicide three days later in Auckland in 1984, at the age of 34.

In 1972 Philip Clairmont was invited to join The Group and exhibited Fireplace, part of a large mural painted for the Christchurch nightclub 5 Jellies in 1971.

From 1972 on Philip Clairmont was represented by dealer galleries in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland including Bett-Duncan Gallery, New Vision Gallery and later Peter Webb Galleries, Denis Cohn Gallery and Auckland's Closet Artists Gallery.

Philip Clairmont was admired for his drawing and print-making abilities and most exhibitions included prints and drawings included.

At the beginning of Part 2 of Bruce Morrison's film referenced below you can see Philip Clairmont inking and pulling a print of Large Still Life with Objects.

In 1984, shortly after his death, Philip Clairmont featured in the exhibition Anxious Images: Aspects of New Zealand Art curated by Alexa Johnson for the Auckland City Art Gallery.

In 1987, a survey show of Philip Clairmont's work was organised by the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui and toured New Zealand.

The resurrection of Philip Clairmont, a biography of Clairmont written by Martin Edmond in 1990 and published by the Auckland University Press, was a finalist in the 2000 Montana New Zealand Book Awards.