Phillip Allen’s paintings depict an imagined space which is always framed at the top and bottom by luscious rosettes of thick paint that allude to the idea of a paradisiacal garden but also to paint itself and its sculptural qualities. From the empty centre of each painting springs a form or pattern or many forms and patterns that play with colour and perspective suggesting a depth of space and a fantastical architecture that is at once intriguing and playful.
Phillip Allen left the Royal College of Art in 1992. Solo shows include, Milton Keynes Gallery, Milton Keynes, UK 2006; Kerlin Gallery 2005 and 2009; Xavier Hufkens, Brussels 2007 and 2005; The Approach Gallery, London in 2008 and 2002; PS1 New York 2003.Group shows include –M25 Around London curated by Barry Schwabsky; ‘Echo Room’, British Council Exhibition, Madrid, Spain 2007; ‘Abstract’, Mitchell, Innes& Nash Gallery, New York 2007;Archipeinture, Camden Arts Centre, London 2007; When Forms Become Attitude, AR Milan, 2007;the British Art Show 6 at BALTIC 2005/06; ‘Stay Positive’ at Marella Arte Contemporanea, Milan, Italy 2004; ‘Post Flat - New Art from London’ Lock’s Gallery, Philadelphia 2003; ‘Another Shitty Day in Paradise’, Bart Wells Institute, London, The Royal Academy, London 2002.
Phillip Allen will take part in Classified: Contemporary British Art from the Tate Collection in June 2009, Tate Britain.