Augustin Philemon

Artist Statement

My creative process begins with a foundational concept, which evolves as I engage with the material, allowing the sculpture to guide its own transformation. My work harmoniously blends form, color, and concept to create visually stimulating and compelling pieces. Through my art, I seek to create pieces that resonate deeply with the soul. My pieces are defined by the essence of my life and different phases I have gone through. I incorporate different concepts and metaphors to convey different lessons. I coined the term "sculptist" to summarize the distinctiveness of my work, drawing influence from renowned artists such as Daniel Arsham and Salvador Dalí. Arsham has inspired me to develop a unique style and distinctive aesthetic, while Dalí has encouraged me to embrace boundless creativity and unconventional thinking. My intention is to convey that self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and that one should not be confined by rigid boundaries—create your own rules.

Biography

Augustin Philemon, known by his artist alias augustphil, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and later moved to Valley Stream. His journey as a sculptist—a blend of sculptor and artist—began at an early age. Even as a baby, he exhibited a creative streak by smearing food on the floor, much to his mother's dismay. His ingenuity was further displayed when, around the ages of seven to nine, he started crafting his own action figures from paper, creating characters like Metal Man and Golden Man for his brother and himself, as his mother disapproved of store-bought action figures due to their violent themes.

Despite this early spark, Augustin took a hiatus from art until the sixth grade, when he joined the art club at his elementary school. This marked the true beginning of his artistic journey. During his years at North High School, which encompassed grades seven through twelve, he consistently enrolled in art classes as electives in addition to the standard art curriculum. Though he did not join the art club again, his talent did not go unnoticed. He received multiple awards for excellence in art and consistently garnered positive feedback from his teachers.

After graduating high school in 2016, Augustin enrolled at Nassau Community College. It was there that he faced a pivotal decision: whether to pursue a career in nursing, inspired by his mother's profession and his own desire to care for others, or to follow his passion for art. Standing on the sidewalk at Nassau, gripping the straps of his backpack, he made the defining choice to become a professional artist. He recognized the challenges of forging a career in art and committed himself to developing a unique style that would set his work apart.

Through a combination of art electives at Nassau and the influence of the renowned artist Daniel Arsham, Augustin spent several years honing his craft and discovering his distinct artistic voice. This period of growth and exploration culminated in his transfer to Queens College, where he pursued a degree in Fine Art.

Augustin Philemon's story is one of early passion, challenging decisions, and relentless pursuit of individuality in his art. As augustphil, he continues to evolve and innovate, creating sculptures that reflect his unique vision and dedication to his craft.

Escaping Prism II_2022_ Clay_ 14" x 8.3" x 12"

Transcended_2022_Clay_16.5" x 9" x 13.5"

Hidden Ocean_2023_Clay_ 12” x 13” x 16”