Michael Philps

Michael Philp is a contemporary Aboriginal artist from the Tweed Caldera. He grew up on the Tweed Coast, his Mum an Aboriginal woman and his Father a white fisherman. Much of Michael’s youth was spent at the seaside or on the river. It was a place to connect with his dad, to spend time with friends and sometimes to reflect in solitude. This coastal landscape of his childhood features regularly in his current works.

With his signature minimalist style, Michael tells the story of his people from a modern-day perspective. His work explores themes around identity, connection to land, connection to his people, and his own personal memories of his family history, within the Tweed community.

Philp started painting later in life but was recognised early on in his career with a commendation in the 2009 NSW Parliament Art Prize. His art has been exhibited in solo and group shows across NSW, including Sydney and is now nationally recognised and collected. His most recent achievement was the Tweed Regional Gallery’s WAA - Bundjalung Award 2022. Today, Philp is very happy to have returned to his home country on the Tweed. His art, once again, has helped him reconnect to his people, his country and himself.