The evolution of RIOT began in 2004, following on from painting THE MILLENNIUM BRIDGE. Clare recognised a tension spreading across London society. Gaps were widening between rich and poor. A sense of political and social unease was intensifying within the city of London and the country at large. Her response was to paint a riot scene situated in front of the Houses of Parliament. The painting was completed in 2005.
Six years later London riots happened and the reasons behind them are well documented. However insightful the painting might be of that time, the narrative content and the figures in the painting relate to protest and repression across the world - past, present and future.
Clare hand mixed the oil paint for the entire painting using sheet glass and a muller - grinding pure pigment, beeswax and raw pressed linseed oil. At the time it was the only way she could afford to achieve the quality of colour needed.
Six years later London riots happened and the reasons behind them are well documented. However insightful the painting might be of that time, the narrative content and the figures in the painting relate to protest and repression across the world - past, present and future.
Clare hand mixed the oil paint for the entire painting using sheet glass and a muller - grinding pure pigment, beeswax and raw pressed linseed oil. At the time it was the only way she could afford to achieve the quality of colour needed.
