Artists

Christopher Phillips is an Australian artist whose paintings explore the quiet relationship between architecture, atmosphere and stillness.

His work often begins with structural forms, bridges, buildings and urban spaces which act as anchors within layered fields of paint, charcoal and texture. These structures provide a sense of balance while the surrounding surfaces remain fluid and expressive, shifting between clarity and abstraction.

The paintings develop slowly through a process of building, eroding and rebuilding layers. Architectural forms gradually emerge from the surface, sometimes clearly defined and sometimes dissolving into the atmosphere. Through this process, Christopher is less interested in depicting specific places than in capturing the feeling and the memory of being within them.

Christophers’ visual language has been shaped by a life lived across continents. Born in Zimbabwe in 1977, his family relocated multiple times from Iran to England and New Zealand during his childhood before eventually settling in Australia. Growing up in Sydney he spent much of his time surfing, exploring the bush and drawing, experiences that continue to influence his sensitivity to space, light and environment.

Before focusing fully on painting, Christopher worked internationally as a photographer, designer and art director, collaborating with organisations including Google, YouTube, L’Oréal, and London’s Symphony Orchestra. This background continues to inform the compositional clarity and structural balance within his work.

Alongside his artistic practice, meditation has been a central part of Christophers’ life for over fifteen years. Regular silent retreats and daily practice have deeply influenced the rhythm of his studio process. Painting has become a space for observation and attention, where layers build slowly and the work evolves through patience rather than force.

The resulting works feel both grounded and contemplative. They are spaces where architecture, memory and emotion intersect.

Today Christopher lives and works on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his studio is nestled between Noosa’s National park and the ocean an environment that continues to shape the contemplative nature of his practice.

Christopher’s work is held in private collections and has appeared in national and international publications including Vogue Living, Australian GQ, Bell Magazine (AU), W Magazine (US), Delux Digital (UK), Culture Magazine (AU), 1883 Digital (UK), Monster Children (AU) Marie Claire (AU)