Lawrence Philp, Oil & Acrylic Painting, A Wise Alligator:
This captivating oil and acrylic artwork on treated paper by renowned artist Lawrence Philp, titled A Wise Alligator Knows How to Balance Love on His Nose, combines vibrant colors and bold imagery to explore themes of love, balance, and resilience. The piece features a red-toned female figure cradling a ship within her arms, surrounded by intricate patterns of waves, boats, and symbols of time, love, and strength. A prominently placed alligator, cleverly rendered with green textures, balances a heart on its nose, symbolizing wisdom and emotional harmony. The clock motif and the recurring presence of water and ships evoke a sense of passage and journeys-both literal and emotional. Philp’s signature style of geometric shapes, rich textures, and layered symbolism is on full display, which invites viewers to reflect on the interconnections of nature, human emotion, and personal journeys. The artwork is a stunning example of Philp’s ability to weave personal narratives and cultural commentary into a visually arresting composition. Lawrence Philp is a distinguished contemporary artist celebrated for his mastery of abstract expressionism and mixed media. Born to Jamaican immigrants in New York City, Philp’s upbringing in the cultural melting pot of the city greatly influenced his artistic perspective. He studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and later earned his Master of Fine Arts at the University of Michigan, where he developed his distinctive style that merges bold imagery, symbolism, and narrative depth. Written in graphite on verso: A Wise Alligator Knows How to Balance Love on his Nose. 1984. 60″ x 75″. 9/C? This artwork was purchased directly from the artist.
Artist: Lawrence Philp (Jamaican/American b. 1949)
Issued: 1984
Dimensions: 75″Lx 60″H
Country of Origin: Jamaica/United States
Condition
Age related wear.
