Philip Spelman

  • Phil Spelman, 'Lumina Folds', Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, Tumbarumba 2022. Photo John Riddell
  • Phil Spelman, 'Lumina Folds', Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, Tumbarumba 2022. Photo Grant Hardwick
  • Phil Spelman with 'Lumina Folds', Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, Tumbarumba 2022. Photo Grant Hardwick

Philip Spelman (Queanbeyan, NSW)

‘Lumina Folds’, Tumbarumba

Statement: Exploring still life imagery and geometric abstraction, to create a composition of positive and negative space, light and shade.  The colour unifies what could be disparate elements, providing luminosity and depth, allowing the shadows within the work to repeat themselves on the surface making for a more complex structure.

Biography: Philip Spelman holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Sculpture) from the School of Art at the Australian National University.

As a practicing sculptor for the past 30 years, Spelman works in painted steel, he maintains a broad professional arts practice. He is activity engaged in national and international exhibitions, commissions and conference programmes as well as technical management and consultation.

His works are abstract constructions where elements balance, tumble and float, creating positive and negative compositions of space, light and shade. The sculptures are memorable for their vibrant colours which give luminosity and depth, creating stunning silhouettes within their environment.

Spelman’s sculptures are held in many public, private and corporate collections, nationally and international. In 2012 he was awarded a Helen Lempriere Scholarship for research and travel. In 2013 he received the NSW Government Regional Acquisition Award, his work acquired by Bathurst Regional Gallery.

His commissions include ACT Cultural Facilities Corporation, Civil & Civic / Lend Lease ACT, South Sydney City Council and ACT Public Arts, Arrow International, and most recently a major work for Capital estate developments. His work is also featured in collections such as The National Convention Centre, The Lady Ethel Nock Sculpture Collection, Canberra Museum & Art Gallery, Gomboc Sculpture Gallery Price Waterhouse, University of Canberra and the Bathurst Regional Gallery.

He has exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 18 times since 1999, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe four times since 2009 and Sculpture by the Sea, Aarhus in 2009 and 2011.


This Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the New South Wales Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.