Philip Bosmans (1980) is a contemporary Belgian artist known for his distinctive blend of surrealism, realism, and pop art.
Born in Bree and currently based in Hasselt (Belgium), Philip has carved out a unique space in the art world with his imaginative and thought-provoking paintings that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, Philip creates artworks that feature dream-like, collage-like compositions where familiar elements such as animals, everyday objects, and fruits coexist with surreal and fantastical components. His style is characterized by realistic detail, where textures and colors are meticulously rendered to capture the viewer's attention.
Bold contrasts and vibrant colors enhance his surreal narratives, creating pieces that are both visually striking and deeply symbolic. Philip's work is marked by a sense of humor and whimsy, evident in his quirky combinations—bears with painted faces, rabbits holding unexpected objects, or riders on horseback wearing unicorn masks.
Each painting invites viewers to engage in a playful exploration of the absurd, blending technical mastery with a narrative that challenges conventional perspectives.
With a growing presence in galleries and exhibitions, Philip Bosmans continues to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors with his innovative approach. His artworks not only reflect his creativity and skill but also his passion for exploring the boundary between the real and the imagined, making his work a unique addition to the contemporary art scene.
I've been a daydreamer since childhood; it was always in my school reports. I think that today, since the pandemic, we actually live in a different world, a different reality, more distant, more threatening, more uncertain than ever, at least in my 45 years on this planet.
So my paintings are definitely a form of escapism from this harsh, gloomy reality. My intention is truly successful when people who come to view them in the gallery or even online create their own story about the figure or combination of figures and elements based on their own world and experiences (negative and positive).
The use of animals, birds, and others represents the pursuit or loss of freedom. The masks, bags, cloths, etc. that make the characters anonymous symbolize introspection, the dream, the fantasy away from negative or overstimulating external stimuli...
A painting usually starts with one interesting element, which I then use to create a digital composition/collage, and then transfer to canvas with oil paint. Yet I always end up in the same dreamy, absurdist atmosphere. As a Belgian, I am of course also influenced by surrealist art history with René Magritte and Paul Delvaux.
Exhibitions
2024
“Monochrome V” group show curated by ArchEnemy Gallery (Philadelphia, US)
“Good vs Evil” group show at Nanny Goat Gallery (Petaluma, US)
Emphemeral” opening show at Nanny Goat Gallery (Petaluma, US)
12 Year Anniversary” group show curated by ArchEnemy Gallery (Philadelphia, US)
Celestial” group show curated by ArchEnemy Gallery (Philadelphia, US)
Elixer” group show curated by ArchEnemy Gallery (Philadelphia, US)
12x12 inch” @AQUA Miami, curated by ArchEnemy Gallery (Miami, US)
2023
In Search of a Quiet Mind”, Solo show at Vertical Gallery, (Chicago US)
Thinkspace x STRAAT: NDSM group show curated by Thinkspace gallery (Amsterdam, NL)
Hawai’i Walls group show, curated by Thinkspace gallery (Hawai, US)
Beyond the Horizon” group show at Modern Eden gallery, ( San Francisco, US)
Mini Solo at 19Karen gallery (Australië)
WOW2 (Volume VII) + Otherworldly and Wild curated by WowxWow (online)
2022
Expo at Bregt Vandam (Brussel)
2021
Fabels, group expo Herkenrodeabdij (Hasselt)
Atomic Number 13, group expo @ Vertical Gallery, (Chicago US)
2020
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic everything was canceled
2019
Vertical gallery, 6 Year Anniversary, group show (Chicago,US)
Channeling the Unseen curated by WoWxWoW
19Karen Gallery “Threesome”, group expo (Australie)
Wallery Gallery, “Maasters” (Stockholm, Sweden)
2018
The Drawings, group expo (Hasselt)
“12x12” group expo, (Melbourne, Australie)
KVADRART 2, group expo (Stockholm, Sweden)
Outside/Inside group show (Stadsmus, Hasselt)
GoGallery, “Bigger, Bolder, Better” group show (Amsterdam, NL)
2017
Vertical gallery, Portrait, group show (Chicago,US)
VOC, solo exposition (Hasselt)
Pjez Unik , Funny Things Happen, group expo (Antwerpen)
Degussage, solo exposition (Maaseik)
KVADRART, group expo (Stockholm, Sweden)
2016
Bazarts solo expo (Kermt)
GoldenBoys “HK expo” (Hasselt)
2015
ArtWhino gallery, “G40 art summit group exposition (Washington, US)
ArtWhino gallery, “We’re all DOOMed” group exposition (Washington, US)
Alley gallery, “Alleyversary” group exposition (Hasselt)
2014
De Coöperatieve, “Paper Trails” solo exposition (Hasselt)
Au Fond du Bois, group exposition (Brussel)
2013
Alley art gallery, “Deer Oh Dear” Hertkore group exposition (Hasselt)
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