Murder by Phillip Seymour

Murder
Phillip Seymour
Acrylic on fabric
Silver gallery frame
48"w x 36"h x 2"d

This painting of two crows set against a delicate floral background embodies the tension between nature and constructed environments (a recurring theme in my artistic practice). The crows, typically symbols of intelligence, adaptability, and sometimes conflict, are rendered in striking red and green hues, inspired by the soft, decorative backdrop. Their dynamic interaction—mid-flight, beaks open in what appears to be confrontation or communication— suggests the complexity of urban existence, where survival, aggression, and coexistence intertwine. By placing these birds within a setting reminiscent of domestic wallpaper, the boundary between the wild and the curated blurs, emphasizing the way nature persists and adapts even in human-dominated spaces.

This piece aligns with my broader artistic exploration of place as an emotional and cultural construct rather than just a physical location. The floral pattern, traditionally associated with comfort and nostalgia, becomes a stage for an intense moment of avian interaction, highlighting the layered contradictions within urban life. The painting invites the viewer to reflect on how nature is framed, controlled, or aestheticized in human spaces, yet remains unpredictable and vital.

Get to Know The Austin Artist:
Phill’s enthusiasm as an artist is fueled by his love for the complex aspects of urban environments.
Placing the importance of expression at the forefront of each piece, he is guided by the desire to create authentic experiences of place. He challenges the connotations of place and argues that is more than a synonym for location, offering instead that it is a unique ensemble of nature and culture.