Phil Edwards

Phil Edwards is a Lecturer in the School of Art at RMIT University, specializing in interdisciplinary art practices that explore hybridity, cultural critique, and contemporary artistic expression. His research spans children’s art, outsider art, and the intersection of fine art with everyday aesthetics. He holds a Master’s degree examining innate aesthetic tendencies in everyday object assemblages and a PhD analyzing the role of audio CDs in fine art culture.

Research Interests: Edwards focuses on six core themes: children’s art/outsider art’s relationship to formal painting, fake poetry integration in visual art, alchemy as metaphor, music brut, temporality in hybrid art forms, and abstract landscape painting. His creative works often blend digital media (e.g., Instagram-based projects) with traditional techniques.

Teaching & Supervision: Edwards supervises Masters and PhD students in research topics like border identity visualizations (Maria Penne’s DFA project). He actively mentors projects such as An Exploration of Zen-inspired Poetic Nature Painting and Museum of Emotion.

Exhibitions & Projects: His works include installations like Museum of Platitudes AND Aphorisms and digital projects such as Continual Instagram Painting. He frequently exhibits in venues like the c3 Art Gallery and George Paton Gallery, emphasizing public engagement and conceptual depth.