Philip Barlow

Throughout the beginning of his career, Philip Barlow specialized in painting large murals in South Africa and abroad. After refining his ability to translate scale and openness in his murals, he began to explore a unique contemporary style using oils on canvas. Barlow is fascinated by light and its effect on different surfaces, especially the abstraction of forms often generated by both natural and artificial lighting. Although he hints at forms and shapes in his work, not all the information is given, therefore allowing the viewer an avenue to create their own stories and meanings.

Philip currently lives and paints in Noordhoek, Cape Town. He is married and has two children and a dog.

Curriculum Vitae

Born 1968 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

1974 - 1986

Rhodes Estate Prep School, Matopes, Zimbabwe
St Andrews College, Grahamstown, South Africa

1987 - 1990

Diploma in Graphic Fine Art (Printing, Stained Glass and Photography) from Port Elizabeth Technikon (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University)

1991 - 1994

Travels Europe while developing his talent. Produces approximately 500 portaits in pastel and charcoal, painted 8 murals and completes around 200 watercolour / pen and ink drawings.

1995 - 2001

Executes murals and ceiling paintings in various homes and corporate spaces.
Years distinguished by extensive exploration of other creative aspects of painting.

2002

A new style in his work sees abstraction taking the focus, an offshoot of previous discoveries.
Teaches foundational drawing skills to adults.

2003

This Thing of Light - first solo exhibition at the Association of Visual Arts, Cape Town

2004

Identity - group exhibition of South African artists Fortis Circustheater, Scheveningen, Holland
Glow - solo exhibition at Obert Contemporary, Johannesburg

2005

Solo exhibition at the Association of Visual Arts, Cape Town

2006

De Light - solo exhibition at Obert Contemporary, Johannesburg

2008

Vapor - solo exhibition at Obert Contemporary, Johannesburg
Luminosity - solo exhibition at Johans Borman Fine Art, Cape Town

2009

Boréal Publishers use “Passing” for a book cover by Dany Laferrière, L`Enigme du Retour.
Art That Inspires - 10-20 Anniversary - group exhibition at Johans Borman Fine Art, Cape Town.
Group exhibition at Hespe Gallery, San Franciso, USA.

2010

Light Train - solo exhibition at Obert Contemproary, Johannesburg.

2011

Persona - group exhibition at Johans Borman Fine Art, Cape Town.
Group exhibition at Hespe Gallery, San Francisco, USA.
The Homestead Charity Art Auction at Johans Borman Fine Art, Cape Town.
Boréal Publishers print a second ‘compact’ version of the Dany Laferrière novel, L`Enigme du Retour.

Collections

Bowman Gilfillan, Johannesburg
Nandos, London

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