Robine Clignett

Colour is central in the work of Robine Clignett (1948). In her watercolours Robine Clignett sparingly applies the pigment on the paper with a broad brush to allow the colour to subtly reveal itself. The forms she uses are derived from nature, but are not descriptive; the main point is expressing what is to be found behind the direct observation. Sometimes the representation reminds you of a landscape, such as an island in the sea or a hill reflected in water. Other works are more abstract, composed of circles lying on a darker background. This restrained and quiet work demands concentration of the viewer. Gradually the forms become more intense, and the space between the colour surfaces seems to start shimmering. Robine Clignett also studies the physical, historical and literary context of colour, collecting facts and textfragments that are compiled in carefully designed publications. Over the years she has published booklets about Falun red, Ultramarine blue, Vineyard black, White lead and Green.