Contemporary artist Guy Stanley Philoche with his French bulldog, Picasso, in his studio
With a considerable roster of A-list collectors, among them George Clooney, Uma Thurman and Tommy Hilfiger, Haitian-born artist Guy Stanley Philoche uses his inimitable success to bolster fellow creatives. From his public art series Art for the People to purchasing works from artists struggling financially due to the pandemic, this philanthropist and humanitarian is one to watch. Here, Philoche, an Art Basel Miami Beach veteran, takes us inside his colorful world.
From the Come Fly With Me series, “Neon Blue”
What are your artistic inspirations? I’m a painter and a mixed media contemporary artist; I enjoy creating art that makes people use all their senses. During this COVID-19 pandemic, rather than focusing my art on the struggles of the moment, I wanted to take people on a different path. My objective was to make people smile and remember happier, more innocent times as children, away from the current fear of death and pain. The Remembering Your Innocence series was painted on Masonite board versus canvas, as the art stores were shut down. In the same time frame, the Black Lives Matter movement gained traction across the country. The direction of the paintings changed from innocence to social change, resulting in what I call rEVOLution. My hope is for a revolution that leads to love and peace.
“Sally Brown” from rEVOLution can be viewed at Cavalier Galleries in Palm Beach
Miami’s art scene is already on the global map. What does it mean for you to be part of events like Art Basel Miami Beach? The Miami art scene is one of the hottest in the world. Here, art isn’t just for museums; it lives throughout the city, whether on vacant buildings, sidewalks, art fairs or other spaces; there is inspiration everywhere you turn. It’s always an honor to have the opportunity to participate in international art fairs such as Art Basel. Whether you’re participating in or attending the show, there’s a level of creativity that’s unmatched, and it’s a great place to network as some of the best artists and collectors are in attendance there.
“Domino” from the Game series
Where can we view your work? Currently, Cavalier Galleries’ Palm Beach location is showing my rEVOLution paintings, which are focused on innocence and social change. It’s always rewarding to see my paintings displayed, whether at a gallery or in the home or office of a happy collector.
What are your can’t-miss local spots? One of my favorite New York City restaurants, Carbone, just opened up in Miami Beach, which is really exciting. I also make sure to head to my favorite lunch spot, Le Bilboquet, whenever I’m in Palm Beach. It’s just steps from Cavalier and the Cajun chicken entree is one of a kind.
“Kimberly” is part of the No Comment series.
What’s on the horizon? What’s next for me is the next phase in my pursuit to purchase as much artwork as possible. I’ve always committed to purchasing a painting whenever I sell a painting, and during the pandemic, that was no different. In March 2020, I put out a video on my Instagram handle to my followers that I’m purchasing as much artwork as possible to help support my fellow local and struggling artists. With the support of my gallery and my amazing collectors, I’ve been able to purchase over $75,000 worth of art from more than 150 artists across the globe and that created the Philoche Collection. I’m working to bring the collection to the public, so stay tuned! philochestudios.com
Photography by: PORTRAIT BY UDO SPREITZENBARTH; PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
