Blog Post

Unique Artworks from Phil McLoughlin

Kate Downes • 10 December 2019

One of our most unusual artists brings his own brand of conceptual art to Watson

Multi-award winning artist Phil McLoughlin produces some of the most fascinating artworks in the current market, and his two most recent pieces have been a welcome addition to the Watson gallery. McLoughlin's striking, dramatic and surreal images are that rare type of art that manages to be thought-provoking while also creating something beautiful.

These new pieces have been very timely in their arrival, as McLoughlin's work often provokes thoughtful discussions with our visitors about the nature of art. And, with everyone still talking about the "Comedian" banana artwork at Miami Basel , we have had a lot of visitors wanting to chat about the ideas of conceptual, "thought-provoking" art, and whether it has any place in the real world.

Whichever side of the conceptual divide (or banana split, if you will) that you fall on, artists like McLoughlin manage to create art that invites contemplation as well as enjoyment.

McLoughlin spent time as a conceptual artist in Edinburgh at the beginning of his artistic career, when he was still exhibiting under the name of Phil Barker. Since then, he also worked as a psychotherapist and university professor.

He has won multiple awards throughout his career, dating from the 1970s to recent years.

We look forward to sharing his work with the art lovers of Edinburgh. Please do stop by the gallery to view his artwork or to have a chat (about bananas or otherwise.)

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