Abide by Struggle, Die by Defeat

by Philip Gabriel Steverson

Lives, works in Tempe, Arizona
Opens September 16, 2022 in conjunction with Phoenix Third Friday

Artist Statement

Between the residence of trauma and shadow of self-doubt exists a sliver of hope in release from internal ruin and external decay. This hope provides strength to those who face adversity, loss, and confusion at times where becoming a shell of oneself is the only option. Philip Gabriel applies this hope to confront his own hardships, such as the transition of his mother from Earth to the afterlife, to remain afloat in the game of life. The confrontation with his emotions has led him to battle with grief, grace, and acceptance in a time where he adapts to changes in his life that are ostensibly out of his control. That sliver of hope between the ruins is an overarching theme in his life, which takes shape as time spent with loved ones and the creative ideation process for artisan progression and personal growth. This body of work, presented through phICA, recall moments of trauma and solace in Philip Gabriel’s life captured in paint, or pastel that shaped the young man that you may know today. With this selection of pieces, Philip Gabriel presents a new series of oil pastel drawings directly entitled, Abide by Struggle, Die by Defeat, which he uses to understand his current emotions regarding change, grief and his coping mannerisms. The combination of abstraction and figuration in these drawings create a contrast of the technicality he has honed in his practice and the spiritual relief found through gestural strokes from his earlier work.

- Philip G. Steverson

Exhibition Curator Statement Coming Soon