Phili
Not an easy path
Phili's journey has been anything but conventional. As a teenager, he battled severe depression, and for a long time, it was unclear where his life would lead. Always deeply drawn to the arts, singing was his primary focus. From the age of 5 to 17, he was a member of the State Opera Choir in Hamburg, an experience that profoundly shaped his musical development. However, depression took a toll on his life, and for seven years, he underwent treatment, forcing him to reconsider his life's path.
During this time, Phili turned to an unexpected source of income—professional online poker. He spent several years mastering the game, which not only sharpened his mental discipline but also allowed him to finance his acting education. It was through this acting training that he discovered a new realm of creative expression, igniting his artistic potential. Since then, Phili has worked as an actor, musician, painter, illustrator, sculptor, and instructor, constantly exploring new ways to bring his creative ideas to life.
In 2020, his focus on drawing intensified, leading to the creation of large abstract works that are both powerful and intense yet exude a calm, depth, and clarity. Phili has developed a unique style and an innovative drawing technique that makes his work instantly recognizable.
Through his art, Phili seeks to unlock a deeper dialogue with the self, encouraging a journey of personal discovery, healing, and transformation. His works act as mirrors, reflecting the inner landscapes of those who engage with them, revealing hidden connections and new understandings.
Artistic statement
The world demands that we focus on everything at once.
But my mind doesn’t work that way. I experience peace and calm when I fully immerse myself, with all my being, into one single thing. In this, I can lose myself and forget the world around me. This attitude is reflected in my work as well: the absolute focus on one thing, not letting go until something unique has emerged.
When I talk to people about my art, I often hear how fascinating it is to be so intensely involved and to work with such fine details. For me, however, this is simply the norm. I want my drawings to remind us that we are capable of focusing, and that sometimes less is more.
My works can be seen as meditations. They require a great deal of time, peace, and focus, and that is exactly what they aim to reflect and convey when viewed.