Prunella Clough’s paintings glitch, sneeze, and itch in states of spaghettification. Observational renderings culled from the everyday–seemingly subtle yet tidal and awkwardly beautiful–Clough discombobulates the gravitational fields that tether shapes and colors to reality. Clough’s work taps into what the painter Amy Sillman calls “the mysterious black hole located at the center of the artist’s thinking.” Made in the final chapters of the artist’s life, this small and thoughtful selection of work makes a strong case for abstract painting–it is not dead! (nor a zombie)

I was first introduced to Prunella Clough’s work by way of Amy Sillman’s writing, in which she refers to the artist as her “favorite shape-y English painter.” I learned that Clough lived a somewhat secluded life by the seaside. While she received success during her lifetime, she remains largely underappreciated and unknown, especially outside Great Britain. As an artist who operated in the margins (in some ways), it seems perfectly fitting that Clough should have an exhibition in Los Angeles just as the art world flocks to London for the Frieze art fair. If you find yourself on the outside of this herd and in Los Angeles, do not miss the opportunity to experience Clough’s strange paintings. 

Château Shatto
1206 Maple Ave # 1030
Los Angeles, CA 90015
On view through November 19, 2022