Philip Spelman

About the work

“Beacon” is a work that is a composition of geometric abstraction, the elements balance, tumble and float creating positive and negative compositions of space light and shade. The sculpture is minimal with repeated elements that open and expand as you move around the work. The colour and tonal value unify disparate elements, provides luminosity and depth and allow the shadows to repeat themselves across other elements adding to the complexity of the work.

Photos by Heeseon Jung

About the artist

Philip Spelman graduated from the Applied Arts Department at the Queensland College of Arts and continued with further study at the School of Art, Australian National University completing a BVA in Sculpture.

As a practising sculptor for the past 35 years, he has a broad professional arts practice, actively engaged in regional, national and international exhibitions, commissions and conference programmes, technical management and exhibition consultation.

His works are abstract constructions where elements balance, tumble and float creating positive and negative compositions of space, light and shade. The sculptures are memorable for their vibrant colours which give luminosity and depth, creating stunning silhouettes within their environment. Spelman’s sculptures are held in many public, private and corporate collections, nationally and international. Major works are featured in numerous public collections including the Snowy valley sculpture trail, artsACT, Canberra Museum & Art Gallery, Australian National University, Point Leo estate sculpture park, Denman Prospect, Price Waterhouse, and the Bathurst Regional Gallery, The Australian National University.

In 2012 he was awarded a Helen Lempriere scholarship for research and travel, and In 2013 received the NSW government regional acquisition award, his work acquired by Bathurst Regional Gallery. His commissions include the Cultural facilities corporation, Civil & Civic / Lend Lease, South Sydney City Council, Denman prospect, Arrow International.