Phillip Allan
Confined Spaces
15 - 24 February
2024
Phillip Allan’s most recent paintings take us into the intimate spaces provided both by bathrooms and the synthetic surfaces of contemporary recreational camping - continuing his close observation of the complex and ever intriguing planes and facets generated by sleeping bags and crumpled camping gear.
Phillip’s curiosity for these confined spaces, is not only for the contrast of hard surface against atmospheric translucency, or the play of light on moisture – but it is also for their function as places of refuge, offering opportunities for restful reflection and contemplation – a secular shrine of sorts.
This reflection or contemplation then finds its counterpoint in Phillip’s portraits of competitive swimmers – depicting the moments of intense concentration and anticipation, as the athletes prepare to mount the starting blocks, prior to the always unnerving firing of the “starter’s pistol”.
