Alfons Philipps
1937 – 1987, Oberhausen
Alfons Philipps, originally from Germany, arrived in Lebanon in 1960 as a traveler. Captivated by the country's vibrant life, he made the decision to stay permanently. He resided in Freike, Keserwan, where he started a family.
Philipps shared his expertise as a sculpture instructor at The Lebanese American University and taught plastic arts at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux Art (ALBA). His works were showcased in notable venues such as the Sursock Museum and various galleries. He also participated in international art fairs held in Damascus and Baghdad, and his installations were featured in eight different exhibitions at Dar el Fan wal Adab.
In addition to his contributions to the art world, Philipps lent his creative talents to other areas. He designed theater costumes and scenography for Mounir Abou Dibs and Raymond Gebara, as well as crafted window dressings for numerous department stores, utilizing his skills to create special effects tailored to each setting.
About his Work
It is difficult to determine whether Philipps was more German than Lebanese or vice versa. He seemed to straddle both cultural realms, existing in a double margin of cultural barriers. In this unique space where he chose to live and create, objects and individuals shed their exclusive identities. Through the eyes of this artist, who possessed remarkable transparency of heart and mind, they revealed their inherent ambiguity, their multifaceted nature, and their enigmatic functions.
Philipps worked with a variety of materials, including metal sheets, nails, and branches from oak, olive, and lemon trees. He employed unconventional mediums such as coffee beans and color stones, meticulously collecting, grinding, and preparing them for his paintings. His predominantly abstract works, infused with a touch of surrealism, exuded strength through their concise lines and pure shapes. He often incorporated ready-made objects or natural materials into his creations, further enhancing their distinctive character.
