Sanctuary
September 19th – October 17th, 2020
Singer’s surreal twist on what we know and have been conditioned to understand invigorates our imagination and expands our understanding of reality. Notions of surrealism intermingle with reflections on environmental change and highlight the adaptation of life and expression of hope. These visuals and their stories are a reminder to us, as humans, to think beyond what is directly in front of us and open our hearts and minds to the possibilities of not just the world around us, but that within ourselves.
Artist Statement:
People always ask if the paintings represent dreams that I’ve had. They do not, but I wish they did. They are, however, a culmination of a relentless question. “What if situations really occurred like this?” I am constantly looking at the objects around me and juxtaposing them to subtly call attention to an aspect of reality that we haven’t thought of before. I mentally toss ideas in the air, and eventually something connects. It might be just an interest in the main subject or it might be related to something going on in the world at large.
I am currently drawn to science and reason as it tries to explain the the world around us. I find great comfort there. For me science is a sanctuary of sorts. These paintings provide me with hope that in a world that seems absurd, there is a way forward.”
“I have only just begun to create the art I have always dreamed of.” — Phillip Singer
Phillip Singer was always fascinated by the beauty, as well as the individuality, of fine art. As a child, his early impressions and inspiration came from the few art books his parents’ had on hand. The work of great masters and famous illustrators captured his young imagination. Encouraged by his parents and teachers, Singer eventually earned a full scholarship to the School of Visual Arts in New York. “Art was one thing I was truly passionate about. I wasn’t sure if I could ever be good enough to be a professional artist, but the challenge gave me focus and direction in my life.”
While studying at the School of Visual Arts, Singer was included in the Society of Illustrators student show, and won the school’s portfolio cover competition in his senior year. His professional illustration career started the day after graduation and spanned the last 15 years. His illustrations include over 100 book covers for Avon-Harper Collins, Warner Books, and Simon & Schuster. Singer had done numerous magazine illustrations for clients such as National Geographic Magazine, and created promotional illustrations for international corporations such as Celestial Seasonings Tea and Merck. His work has been selected many times to participate in the prestigious Society of Illustrators Annual Award Show.
Singer is now strictly a fine artist with a discerning, growing following. “I like to see some- thing new every time I look at a painting. That’s why in each painting I create, I strive for beauty, yet hope the audience also finds it challenging, bold, smart, funny, and imaginative. When you find the ‘unexpected’ in a piece of art, that makes it worth taking home.”
Singer recently was awarded the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize in September 2020.
