Time Lapse Painting: Phil Hansen

May 2nd, 2007 at 8:55 pm by Mark
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     It’s May 2nd, and as promised last month, it’s time to spotlight another talented artist.

     Seattle-based Phil Hansen fits the bill.  He’s quite different from the last couple of artists I’ve blogged about.  While the others are speed painters with incredible skills, that’s only a small portion of what Hansen does.
     Hansen uses a myriad of techniques, tools and materials from construction equipment to Starbucks cups.  When you think “Modern Artist,” and perhaps even “Avant-garde,” this is the type you end up with.

     He’s earned himself quite the controversial reputation by making a number of political statements with his artwork.  From Rosa Parks to the KKK, from a homeless man to George Bush, he’s come up with some damned fine work and managed to get more than a few people thinking.
     My personal favorite is entitled, “48 Women.”  It’s a portrait of convicted serial killer Gary Ridgway, aka The Green River Killer.  Up close, you’ll see that the portrait is made up of pixelated photos of a few of his forty-eight victims, including some which merely read, “Jane Doe.”

Phil Hansen: 48 Women

     Hansen defended the painting on a 2004 news clip from KIRO:

Some people don’t want me to give more glory to him, more fame, more exposure.  But at the same time, if we’d never do that, if we never see his face again, we’d forget those forty-eight women.

     On to the timelapse…

     In one of his more tame moods, he karate chops Bruce Lee onto the canvas:

     Next up, in a work entitled “The Value of Blood,” Hansen paints North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il … yes, in blood.  Kids, do not try this at home…

     Be sure and check out Phil’s other videos on YouTube.  And, of course, you’ll definitely want to check out his website at philinthecircle.com.

     And, hey… if ya like it… Check out his store. 😉


Stock Photos

5 Responses to “Time Lapse Painting: Phil Hansen”

  1. Jason Says:

    That was actually a really interesting video. I am definitely not one for art, but I decided to watch the video on a whim. Very good choice.

  2. Hazel8500 Says:

    I’m an art lover and this guy is about the most exciting “avant gard” artist I have seen since Warhol. Very cool, was so glad to have found this entry.

  3. Mark Says:

    I dunno how this guy’s attitude is, but I was a little reluctant to mention avant-garde for risk of upsetting his sensibilities… Of course, he doesn’t seem like a pretentious munter, which is one of the reasons I focused on him.

    “Bruce” is a kickass piece of popart, so, yeah, I had the same idea…

    Pretty rare that I find someone and like every piece …

    And, hey, you don’t often see “Blood on Canvas” on the detail at most galleries…

  4. Phillip Hansen Says:

    Hey Mark,
    Thanks so much for the post. I like the approach you took to it and am happy that my work connected with ya. And I know exactly what you mean, it’s a real let down to see someones work and be totally ecstatic about one piece and the others don’t measure up. I try hard to make each piece stand on it’s own.
    Thanks again
    phil

  5. george Says:

    please tell me the art programme that you use to paint..