Sydney-based artist Phil Stallard, born in 1958, is a prominent figure in the contemporary Australian art scene. He is best known for his abstract paintings characterised by vibrant colour and spontaneous mark-making. He describes himself as an “Emotional Abstractionist,” a term that encapsulates his intuitive approach to transforming personal experiences and deep connections to place into dynamic visual narratives.
Stallard’s primary sources of inspiration are the waterways and landscapes of Sydney, particularly the Hawkesbury River and Sydney Harbour. His work frequently draws upon childhood memories, ongoing explorations of these natural environments, and the urban graffiti and industrial sites of Sydney’s inner city and suburbs. He has a unique ability to find beauty in unexpected places, influenced by his earlier experiences as a “fitter” in maritime repair at Garden Island and Cockatoo Island docks in the 1980s, where he developed a fascination with the colours, textures, and decay of rusted metal and distressed surfaces.
His artistic process balances deliberate composition and spontaneous expression, often likened to improvised jazz. Stallard’s paintings are rich with exuberant colour and frequently incorporate playful, humanising elements such as circles, hearts, and numbers. He works in oils and acrylics and as a watercolourist, often overpainting until the work achieves the desired emotional energy and intensity.
With a career spanning over two decades, Phil Stallard has held successful solo exhibitions annually in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. He has also exhibited internationally, including in Tokyo, Japan, and Manila, Philippines. His work is in numerous collections worldwide, including prestigious hotels and corporate spaces in Australia, Amsterdam, New York, and Japan. Notable collections include KT Kierney, Sydney, Australia, ResMed, Sydney, Australia, and the Marriott Hotel—Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia.
Stallard has received recognition for his contributions to art, including the Glebe Art Prize for Oil Painting (First Prize) in 1992 and the Waverley Woollahra Art Prize for Local Subject (First Prize) in 1991. His work has been featured in various publications, such as “Westward Home” in the Sydney Morning Herald and ABC TV’s “Sea Stories.”
Phil Stallard’s art continues to evolve, reflecting his ongoing exploration of light, colour, and emotional response to the landscape. He maintains an active practice and has a lifelong obsession with painting deeply intertwined with his identity.
Stallard is exhibiting at Wentworth Galleries Brisbane from May 22 to May 31, 2025.
Gallery location and opening hours:
100 George Street, Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane.
Sun, Mon, Tue 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
