(c) Birds

Four birds rendered in mixed medium with characteristic exuberance and warmth. The composition stacks the figures vertically, their forms outlined in black ink with painterly infill in ochre, blue, pink and purple tones. Claerhout’s approach—evident in the exaggerated proportions and gestural mark-making—conveys both humour and affection for his subject. The artist’s prolific experimentation across media resulted in works of sustained vitality and compassion.