One Art Event a Week: Brian L. Phillips Exhibit

[Laura Frank]

Week 16: Brian L. Phillips exhibit at wUG LAKU'S STUDIO & gARAGE

After all of the great art events I have attended in the last few months, last week I decided I needed to attend something low-key. I was mostly looking for something that was inexpensive, easy, and didn’t require me to be there at a specific time. My friend (and fellow Smoosier) Wug Laku had invited me to the opening of Brian L. Phillips’ exhibit “Eat Drink Paint” on June 5th, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend. So I paid a visit to Wug who welcomed me to his studio to check out Mr. Phillip’s work.

The first thing that struck me when I walked into Wug’s studio was the bright red paint on the walls…it really made the paintings pop. It brought out the bright colors Brian uses in his playful portrayal of different characters.

One of the coolest pieces in this exhibit is named “Look Inside”. This is a painting of a man with different words cheekily placed on different spots on his body. For example, the word “chip” is on one shoulder, “cold” on the other. I enjoyed finding the double-meaning in each of the phrases. But this painting also represents the push and pull of the expectations put on us by society, demonstrated by the artist placing the word “give” on one hand and “take” on the other and “stand tall” across the man’s shins, but “fear”, “doubt” and “fail” around his head. I like the juxtaposition of honesty and humor in the painting.

I was also drawn to a piece entitled “Apollo”, a painting of a man with bright eyes and a curly beard. It was cool how Mr. Phillips left the wood unpainted in spots and the expression on Apollo’s face.

Most of the pieces in “Eat Drink Paint” are painted on wood scraps and panels. I think it’s pretty cool when an artist adds a recycling element to their work. Not only is it economical for the artists, but it also benefits the environment and adds a texture to the artwork you wouldn’t get with regular canvas. I also appreciated how Brian assigned a wide range of prices to his artwork. Priced from approximately $30 - $2500, there truly is something for everyone at this exhibit.

Brian L. Phillips’ “Eat Drink Paint” is up through the weekend at wUG LAKU’S STUDIO & gARAGE, open Friday and Saturday from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. or by appointment. It’s always FREE to visit Wug’s studio…unless you buy something, of course. And you just might!

[wug laku]

thanks for the review, laura. in the two years i've been open, this is definitely one of my favorite exhibits i've shown here. i think you captured the general tone of the show perfectly; honesty and humor. i hope people get the chance to stop by this weekend. and yes, brian is a very collectible young artist, whether it's for home or office. i'm looking forward to seeing what he does next.