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ARTIST: GUY STANLEY PHILOCHE GIVE US OUR FLOWERS By Lexi Wolf to unsung Black heroes, who, like Philoche’s friend, have not received proper recognition. Through his art, he pays homage to Black icons and everyday figures of the past and present. The artist has recently made several new additions to the series, including a painting of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old Black man who was killed at the hands of five police officers during a routine traffic stop in Memphis. Philoche was deeply affected by this case of unnecessary brutality. “Tyre was very much like me, a free spirit who marched to the beat of his own drum. He loved his mama, photography, and skateboarding,” he said. The painting features Nichols on his skateboard donning a T-shirt that reads: “I AM A MAN,” and Vans sneakers, the quintessential shoes for skateboarders. He’s surrounded by butterflies and Philoche’s signature daisies, his mother’s favorite flower. “I painted him the way he should be remembered: full of life and living with joy doing what he loved most.” He has also created portraits of Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, and Misty Copeland, all trailblazers for the Black community and who paved the way for future generations. Guy Stanley Philoche, Tyre Nichols
BORN IN HAITI For 15 years, Guy Stanley Philoche has been attracting international attention for his impressive body of work, which often references important social and political themes. The Haitian-born artist immigrated to Connecticut when he was just three years old with his mother, father, and band of brothers — all of whom have a deep passion for athletics, a passion he does not share. Philoche said, “Who in their right mind would want to be an artist? There are times when I wish I had a more straightforward, simpler life. It’s in your blood, it’s in your DNA. I’ve made so many personal sacrifices by being an artist, but it’s something that I have come to terms with. I want my work to provoke, inspire love, inspire happiness.” This calling led him to go out on his own, first attending Paier College of Art and then Yale. He now lives in New York City and frequently shows his art on the East End. MUHAMMAD ALI & JACKIE ROBINSON His current series, Give Us Our Flowers, was born during a period of mourning. After the sudden death of his best friend, Philoche wanted to produce something to give voice
“MY BODY, MY CHOICE, MY RIGHTS” Philoche’s paintings include colorful daisies, but he paints his figures in black and white with muted backgrounds. He says this allows “the viewer to focus on the subject matter at hand. The collection also includes the iconic singer Nina Simone; his friend, the actress/producer/screenwriter Lena Waithe; a mother and her two sons; and a young girl jumping rope, wearing a T-shirt that reads: “My Body, My Choice, My Rights.” Philoche says, “I wanted to make sure to call out specific people like Lena as well as different archetypes, like the mother who is working every day for a better tomorrow for her two sons.” THE PHILOCHE COLLECTION As a dedicated philanthropist, Philoche has made an unwavering commitment to help his fellow artists. “No one opened doors for me. I had friends who were famous in the art world, but they never did anything to help me. I’m all about sharing the love. There’s enough for everybody, and everybody needs a shot. I’m thankful to now have the opportunity to help others.” Since 2020, he has purchased over 150 works of art from up-and-coming artists, creating The Philoche Collection, which he continually adds to. “Instead of buying that Social Life
