PHIBS
REFLECTION
22.05.20 ~ 07.06.20
"The process of creating artwork has always been grounding and keeps me centred and focused... making artwork is my anchor. Every now and then I stray from the path and lose my way. Life's distractions, fears, and worries can be an unhelpful indulgence...It is a continuous vicious circle that I find myself in, constantly."
Reflection comes at a critical point of transition for PHIBS. Fuelled by a shifting mindset and as a reflection of the current times, PHIBS has been in isolation dedicating himself to painting as a means to contemplate. PHIBS has had his own turmoil over the past several years and turned to the ‘meditation’ of painting to help him process and rediscover.
This collection of paintings defines the artists psyche - a time of reflection and rediscovery - of both his ouevre as a contemporary artist, a founding father of the Australian graffiti scene, but most importantly himself. This time developed an urge in PHIBS to breathe new life into older works that were never completely finished as well as create new pieces to reflect the uncertain times we face - detachment, isolation, transition.
At first viewing of the exhibition PHIBS’ visual language is distinctly present. Cultivated over many years of exploration on canvas and wall PHIBS has developed an instantly recognisable visual style of colour, stroke and symbolism inspired by flaura, fauna, family heirlooms, textiles, jewellery and everday items. However, there is a new feeling in the works in reflection, the addition of an underlying invitation to join PHIBS in exploration and discovery as a means to make sense of the crazy world we all share, to create new connections to ourselves, to others and to the ‘every day’ that surrounds us.
“I occasionally observe something and feel I need to paint it... It’s more getting the feelings that come whilst painting. In recent times I’ve wanted to include more messages about how detached we are becoming about the world we live in. These paintings are more like feelings and feelings are what make you human. They are definitely are part of me as any artwork is to any artist...”
