Current Exhibition

Wilderness of Mirrors

Exhibition by Phoenix Kooper

September 7 - October 12, 2024

Artist’s Reception & Gallery Opening: Saturday, September 7, 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Arts for Rural Texas is proud to announce its latest exhibition, Wilderness of Mirrors, featuring the works of 17-year-old artist Phoenix Kooper. The solo exhibition will showcase his compelling portraits and unique style that has garnered attention and admiration from the local community and beyond.

Phoenix never discovered art; it was simply always there. Throughout his childhood, he was always drawing, but it wasn’t until age twelve that he was introduced to painting. Attending ARTS’ Art After School program at the Round Top Family Library launched Phoenix’s painting journey. “I was instantly hooked,” he explains. “I became very inspired to make art, and it made me extremely desirous to learn and grow artistically.”

After outgrowing the youth art classes at the Library, Phoenix decided to get his own art supplies and began self-instruction at home, watching YouTube tutorials and painting around the clock to hone his skills. He continued his training with professional instructors, studying with artists like Karen Vernon, Tom LaRock, and Robin Williamson.

Phoenix realized that art was more than just a hobby after entering ARTS’ Emerging Artists Competition for the first time back in 2020. “I was blown away by the other kids’ art in the show, and humbled that I only won first place,” he says. “I realized that not only could I make money and even a living from my art, but that I was extremely serious and deeply passionate about it. I knew that if I pushed myself hard enough, I could receive Best in Show at the Competition next year, and perhaps even sell the painting I entered.”

This passion and drive are evident in the evolution of his work. As his confidence with the medium grew, his oil paintings became looser and more vibrant. “I have found that I don’t need to describe every element of the painting. Instead of painting with twenty brushstrokes, it now only takes five.”

This refined approach reflects the influence of many great artists who continue to inspire Phoenix. His artistic vision is shaped by modern realist painters like Cesar Santos and Andrew Tischler, and classical artists such as William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. However, his favorite movement is Russian Impressionism, with Nikolai Blokhin being his most admired artist.

This blend of influences is visible in the body of work featured in his current show. Phoenix’s pieces reflect the depth of his artistic exploration, where the impact of these masters can be seen alongside his own unique style and voice. “This body of work is pure. That’s the only way I can describe it. When I put paint to canvas, this is what came out,” says Phoenix. “I love painting portraits; more than anything else, they are my favorite subject to paint. I also love color and how different colors interact when placed together. This body of work is the result of my efforts to showcase these two beautiful things, not only as a vehicle for fine art but also as a representation of me as a person and artist.”

For questions about the exhibition, please email artists@artsforruraltexas.org or call (979) 378-2113.