Twiggy Phoenix held his first solo exhibition in November and December last year at the new gallery based at 9 King Street, Whitehaven.
His portraits, which include hand-rendered words taken from overheard conversations and song lyrics, include patterns of shapes.
His style has been described as “vibrant biological circuitry” and “hard and fast”—a fusion of astrology, nature, matriarchy, and fantasy, charged with an unmistakable punk energy.
Mr Phoenix studied Social Enterprise Leadership at the University of Cumbria and later worked as a West Area Ranger in the Lake District National Park.
During his university years, he formed a friendship with fellow student Ian Alcock.
The pair formed Beardy Synergy to spray paint murals and facilitate youth spray painting workshops. After graduating together in 2017, they have collaborated with other artists on numerous murals across Cumbria, helped hundreds of young people engage with art, and continue to this day.
Their work has helped hundreds of young people engage with art.
Twiggy’s career has been focused on different community-based roles in West Cumbria.
Engaging with residents on various projects, from creating the STEAM trail at Westlakes Science Park.
Twiggy recently got more involved with Soundwave, becoming a trustee to champion local arts, and this year, he joined Rosehill Theatre as the community producer.
As a community producer and a freelance artist, Twiggy delivers weekly art sessions in Whitehaven for all audiences. These include the informal Social Sketch for all, Not Art School exclusively for adults who want to create, Whitehaven Art Society, and Colour Coded for teenagers and young adults.
A group exhibition is happening from January 16 to February 28, with a closing meet the artists event on February 28.
Enquiries about Mr Phoenix’s work can be directed to twiggy.phoenix.art@gmail.com, while exhibition enquiries to Gallery 9 King Street should be directed to dannyamosflynn@gmail.com.
