ANDY
PHILLIPS
Phillips is a multidisciplinary artist currently residing on Vancouver Island, Canada. Originally from southwest London, England, his practice encompasses abstract mixed media painting, experimental photography – particularly utilizing Polaroid Andy emulsion lifts – and small-scale sculpture.
Drawing on a background in sculpture and a long family lineage of artists, Andy's work explores themes of human mortality, the inherent beauty found in impermanence and decay (informed by the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi), and the profound shift in perspective from urban life to the natural beauty of coastal Canada. As a former Londoner, he remains struck by the vast space, wildlife, and untamed wilderness that now surrounds him, an experience that deeply informs his photographic explorations. Traces of his city roots also surface in the linear structures and textures reminiscent of urban landscapes within his abstract compositions. Exploring themes of impermanence and the fallibility of memory, Andy's artistic journey is also informed by his experience living with ME/CFS, a chronic condition that profoundly affects his daily life and offers a unique perspective on fragility and the passage of time.
Driven by a fascination with process and chance, Andy embraces experimental techniques, allowing the inherent qualities of materials to guide the outcome. This approach echoes a desire to reconnect with the uninhibited creativity of childhood, valuing exploration and unexpected discoveries. His Polaroid photography, often deconstructed through emulsion lifts, delves into the fallibility of memory, mirroring the fragmented and imperfect nature of recollection. Andy invites viewers to engage with his art by bringing their own life experiences and associations to complete the narrative. Through his art, Andy seeks to create a space for contemplation and individual interpretation.