(c) Mother and child

A tender study of a woman holding an infant, rendered in mixed media on paper with characteristic warmth and directness. The figure occupies the composition’s centre, set against a softly modulated green ground. Claerhout employs bold outlines and exaggerated forms to convey both the physical presence and emotional intimacy of the subjects, whilst his palette of earthy and cool tones creates an atmosphere of quiet dignity. The work exemplifies the artist’s compassionate approach to figurative subjects drawn from his lived experience.