Francesco Clemente studied architecture in Rome before embracing the art world, and going on to establish a studio where he made drawings, many based on childhood memories and dreams. Clemente’s interest in the art, folklore and the mysticism of India began with annual visits to the country from 1973. His work of the time was characterised by its erotic imagery of frequently mutilated body parts, skewed self-portraits and gesturing, ambivalent figures, often in rich colours. He was part of the revolt against formalism and the detached qualities of much conceptual art, which linked him with such painters as Sandro Chia, David Salle and Georg Baselitz.
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