South Australian artist Jungle Phillips is having his first solo exhibition in NSW at Artereal Gallery from Dec 2-19.
The exhibition will be opened by Professor Colin Rhodes, Dean of Sydney College of The Arts, during the preview evening from 6-8 pm, Wednesday December 2.
 
Jungle is an “Outsider” artist, who lives with schizophrenia. His prolific painting practice and almost obsessive need to express him-self leads him to paint on a fascinating variety of surfaces from timber off-cuts and old kitchen trays, to more traditional canvases and timber panels.
Despite great tragedies in his life, Jungle’s work is a bright, optimistic, colourful and cheerful reflection of his inner spirit and charismatic charm. Complete with phonetic texts and a bug eyed cast of characters, some from his imagination, some real, his work is full of energy and spirit.

“I Love to Paint and Become the Picture. I lose myself often when Painting. Wichis all the Time…I’m a Troo ARTIST and Postative THAT WHAT the messages Reveal”. Jungle Phillips 2009

Jungle’s house is one big studio, with floor to ceiling pictures – inside and outside. He loves to talk about and share his paintings with visitors. His art is his life and his life, both inner and outer, is expressed in his art.  He is a colourful character and is a celebrity in his home town of Adelaide. Jungle will be present at the launch of the exhibition from 6-8 pm Wed, Dec 2, 2009.
This exhibition is dedicated in loving memory of Janice McCulloch.