I always thought that what Phil was trying to do was give you a portal, a door. Doors of perception. You were meant to go into a Clairmont painting…you were meant to go through it

Martin Edmond is interviewed twice for the Cultural Icons project; the first interview is about his writing, research and reflections on the vivid and short life of NZ artist Philip Clairmont.

In 1999 Martin published the biography, ‘The Resurrection of Philip Clairmont’, which continues to receive critical acclaim. Martin is interviewed by prominent arts commentator Hamish Keith.

Image: Scarred Couch by Philip Clairmont