Sharing COMRADE OBJECTS: An Interview with Artist Ciara Phillips an article by Austin Henderson photography by Anna Maria Li
Although we may not think of it, art galleries and museums are places of transformation. When we walk through their doors, we’re transported to different worlds, cultures, and eras in human history. We are actively invited to engage, participate, and learn about the experiences of others, all while absorbing an atmosphere that is simultaneously intellectual, inviting, and communal. Artist Ciara Phillips graduated from Queen’s Bachelor of Fine Art Program in 2000. After receiving her Master of Fine Art from the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland, four years later, she has continued to live and work in Glasgow. Merely a decade later, Phillips was nominated for the prestigious Turner Prize for her contemporary screen printing exhibit, Things Shared. It goes without saying that Phillips has gained acclaim for her work, but to Phillips, the idea of “being accomplished” as an artist means that you are done with something, and she still has a lot to share. Phillips’ newest exhibition, Comrade Objects, now on view at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, successfully transforms the gallery space in more ways than one. Phillips displays her interdisciplinary approach to art making with vibrant screen prints and textile works. She has also created an active workshop that encourages visitors to explore the oft-unseen artist’s process, draw their own conclusions, and even participate in developing artistic creations.
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