To better understand the reality that surrounds us, it is useful to observe it with different eyes. Nothing could be more true for the South African artist, Philip Barlow, who decided to see it from a particular perspective : that of people with myopia problems.
If you are part of this group, take off your glasses for a moment to understand what Barlow means, otherwise it will be the South African artist’s oil paintings that will open your eyes to a hazy, but very surreal world. and evocative for myopes.
image: philipbarlow/instagram
Graduated in 1990 from the Beaux-Arts Graphiques at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Philip decided to discover the Old Continent: between 1991 and 1994, he developed his style by devoting himself to mural paintings, pastel and charcoal portraits , oil drawings watercolor, pen and ink.
image: philipbarlow/instagram
“the depiction of the ‘seen’ landscape is simply a vehicle through which I navigate into territory of another nature. A less ordinary landscape, where the dividing line between the physical and spiritual realms has apparently been removed. However, these scenarios are not intended to be surreal in nature. We hope they will be oddly familiar and compelling. “
image: philipbarlow/instagram
If the landscapes are at the heart of Barlow’s drawings, they are not desert, quite the contrary. In many cases, they can even be overcrowded.
“The figures in the landscapes serve as messengers and projectors of the light falling on them. Wet with luminosity, I hope they will become more beautiful. For me, light is the ultimate subject because it embodies the pinnacle of all reality.”
image: philipbarlow/instagram
image: philipbarlow/instagram
image: philipbarlow/instagram
image: philipbarlow/instagram
In an age of high definition and hyperrealism, Barlow’s style stands out in contrast, forcing the viewer to linger longer, more carefully, and even constructively.
In fact, “not all information is provided, allowing the viewer to create their own stories and meanings.”
image: philipbarlow/instagram
image: philipbarlow/instagram
Philip currently lives in Riebeek Kasteel, near Cape Town, South Africa. He is married, has two children and two dogs, as he points out on his website.
