Michael Philp

Michael Philp is a contemporary aboriginal artist from the Tweed Caldera. He grew up on the Tweed Coast, his mum an aboriginal woman and his father a white fisherman. Much of Michael’s youth was spent at the seaside or on the river. It was a place to connect with his dad, to spend time with friends and sometimes to reflect in solitude. This coastal landscape of his childhood features regularly in his current works. With his signature minimalist style, Michael tells the story of his people from a modern-day perspective. His work explores themes around identity, connection to land, connection to his people, and his own personal memories of his family history, within the Tweed community. He started painting later in life, but was recognised early on in his career with a commendation in the 2009 NSW Parliament Art Prize. His art has been exhibited in solo and group shows across NSW, including Sydney and is now nationally recognised and collected. Today, Michael is passionate about giving back to the community through art workshops and sharing the healing power of art with others. Michael has facilitated groups at local schools, Aboriginal communities, community organisations for youth, in conjunction with Lismore Regional Gallery, Northern Rivers Community Gallery, Southern Cross University Lismore and Byron School of Art.