Works
Overview
Philip Archer OBE

Philip Archer was born and brought up in Cardiff. He started his studies in Art Foundation at Cardiff College of Art, and went on to complete a BA in Sheffield College of Art and MA in The Royal College of Art, London.  He later moved to Scotland where he was Principal at Leith School of Art from 1991 - 2019. Philip was awarded an OBE in the 2021 New Year Honours list for services to art and education.

 

Biography
Philip Archer OBE
'The sun never knew how wonderful it was until it fell on the wall of a building', American architect Louis Kahn

Philip Archer's new work is a drama of shadows and feints, reflections and glimpses inspired by Cardiff Market. Both his paintings and pastel works are of people and places,  and of shifting patterns of light and shade.  His beautiful market place dramas are of figures and shadow plays, and of people at work or in contemplation.

 

The oil paintings emerge from a long, patient process, adding thin layers of paint repeatedly to achieve a fine balance of colour and form.  The pastels distil his subjects into tight, intense geometric forms.

 

Exhibitions