Clare Woods

British painter Clare Woods began her artistic practice as a sculptor; however, she is most recognised for her oil on aluminium paintings which she renders in large format. There is a dichotomy present in her work which walks the line between observation and abstraction. Frequently employing photographs as the jumping off point for her compositions, Woods decontextualises her images, distancing the images from themselves, but leaving behind traces of the objects’ initial nature and function. Since 2011, Woods has begun to approach painting with a more figurative focus, and a preoccupation with the human form, whereas prior, she constructions involved vibrant, abstract landscapes, containing an anthropomorphic element. As Woods developed her practice, and her notions and uses of space, she has taken queues from her predecessors, namely Francis Bacon, Louise Bourgeois, and Alberto Giacometti. ...

Chisenhale Gallery is dedicated to placing artists at the core of its mission. They have supported the realisation of major works by an international array of artists, often solidifying careers through timely solo commissions, notably including Lubaina Himid, Wolfgang Tillmans, Cornelia Parker, Faisal Abdu’Allah, Hito Steyerl, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Yu Ji, Abbas Akhavan, Rachel Jones and Rory Pilgrim. Chisenhale Gallery was founded by artists. The same experimental vision and spirit of possibility that transformed an empty veneer factory and brewery warehouse into an art gallery continues to guide their work today. They commission and produce contemporary art, publish books and online material, and actively engage in social projects. ...