Biography
Leon Phillips, born in 1964 in Spalding, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a contemporary painter currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Renowned for his distinctive looping gestural style, Phillips employs the materiality of colour to evoke a visceral response in viewers. His oeuvre encompasses a range of mediums, including oil on canvas, gouache on paper, and watercolour on paper. Utilizing both traditional alla prima and glazing methods, Phillips' mastery lies in his ability to infuse colour with structural significance rather than mere decoration. His paintings transcend traditional boundaries, inviting viewers into a corporeal experience where the presence of the artist is palpable.
Phillips' work delves deep into the exploration of embodiment and perception through the materiality of colour. He views himself not merely as a creator, but as a facilitator collaborating with tools and materials. One of his breakthrough series, the Nest watercolour series produced in 2011-2012, marked a significant departure in his practice. After years of process-based pour paintings, Phillips returned to using brushes, leading to an exploration of gestural techniques and the inherent material qualities of colour. His paintings become more than just objects or images; they are conduits for a shared sensory experience, engaging the viewer on a visceral level.
Leon Phillips' artistic contributions have garnered international recognition, with his works featured in notable exhibitions and collections. His pieces have been showcased at esteemed venues such as the Yukon Arts Centre in Whitehorse, Canada, and the Amelia Douglas Gallery in New Westminster, Canada. Phillips' work is included in prestigious collections, including the Canadian Consulate General in Chicago, IL, USA, and the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre in Daugavpils, Latvia. He has participated in renowned artistic programs such as the International Painting Symposium "Mark Rothko 2021" at the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre and artist residencies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, AB, Canada, among others. Through his innovative approach to colour and form, Leon Phillips continues to push the boundaries of contemporary painting, captivating viewers with his evocative and immersive creations.
Artist at the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Center, 2021
Photo credit: Santa Suhanova