This autumn, from 26 October 2024 – 26 April 2025, the University of Liverpool’s Victoria Gallery & Museum presents Indian Perspectives with Tony Phillips & Jasmir Creed.
Featuring more than 100 works including drawings, paintings and video, it explores the legacies of British colonial rule of India and the experiences of people of Indian heritage living in Britain.
Liverpool-born artist Tony Phillips (b. 1952) uses his characteristic socially engaged drawings to look at the impact British colonial rule had on India and its people, alongside the cross-fertilisation ensuing from post-Independence Indian migration to Britain. Meanwhile, Jasmir Creed’s (b. 1990) oil paintings draw on her Anglo-Indian heritage to create large colourful paintings reflecting on issues around identity.
A short film has also been commissioned for the exhibition which features four University of Liverpool students from India discussing their life in Liverpool. From ballroom dancing to photography, the film captures the passions of these students who are studying in the city.
Dr Amanda Draper, Curator of Art and Exhibitions said: “We’re delighted to be presenting this rich exhibition that tells both personal and universal stories. From Tony’s intricate pen-and-wash drawings to Jasmir’s large-scale oil paintings, they are both natural story tellers who invite you into their world and perspectives. We’re also excited to present a commissioned documentary film that reflects the experiences of our Indian students.”
More about Tony Philips
Tony Phillips was born in Liverpool in 1952 from mixed African and English parents. He trained at Lancaster Art College and is primarily a painter and printmaker. In 1984, he made a series of etchings on the history of the Benin Bronzes which explored British looting from West Africa , these works and others have been widely exhibited.
Tony has a deep interest in the history and culture of India and has visited the country frequently over the past 30 years. The work exhibited in the display include drawings that reflect the tradition of Indian miniature paintings as well as watercolours completed on his recent visits to India.
Tony Phillips currently lives in Italy.
More about Jasmir Creed
Jasmir Creed, a professional artist since 2015, studied Fine Art at Wimbledon College of Art in London. She is now a practice led PhD researcher at the Slade School of Fine Art and has exhibited in group and solo shows across the UK, including the VG&M and internationally.
Her expressionistic paintings show interiors, urban scenes, portraiture, crowds, iconic buildings and landscapes. Her work explores themes of alienation and belonging, the transcultural and women in personal or public cultural contexts. Jasmir employs rich combinations of colour in her work alongside monochromes to create dramatic contrast.
Short film, Indian Perspectives
The short film is made by a team of Liverpool John Moores University Media and Film Production students. Commissioned for the exhibition, it features interviews with four University of Liverpool students from India who talk about their experiences of living in Liverpool and shows their varied leisure activities in the city.
Photo of Tony Phillips by Caterina Salvi