Phalen Booker is a Mississippi born, Arizona-based creator gifted with considerable natural talents in two disciplines of the arts. He is an accomplished painter who honed those innate abilities with formal training. As a musician, he has a background as a violinist and drummer. An athlete as well, he's a former college football player currently competing in MMA, besides being an avid golfer. Presently a financial planner with the Edward Jones firm, his well-rounded, intellectual mind allows for artistic expressions.
Mr. Booker’s collections of oil paintings to date are what we’d term “insightful realism”. For instance, patrons and casual viewers alike have responded almost viscerally to the intensity of his piece, entitled “Pressure”. It has been often remarked that one can feel the atmosphere surrounding the subject and “hear” his voice scream the near tangible frustration of the moment depicted in the shades of intense blacks and steely blues. There are contrasting white highlights and deep, true gray hues that further fuel a potent response. Another piece, called “You”, pulls the viewer into a moment of personal exposure when its subject’s outward mask is removed. At the same time, by only revealing the fixed, compassionate eyes of his face, his anonymity is retained. The work’s first impression feels like an empathetic sharing of the common societal burden that comes with carrying “personality masks”, and the feeling of relief felt to “remove” them in private.
The country’s discussions around social justice bring a myriad of questions, responses and points of view, many expressed artistically. One of Mr. Booker’s most recent works, titled, “Am I Next?”, translates as a first person perspective and impactful reaction to today’s justice climate. The subject of the painting is a thought-provoking image of a young, Black male surrounded by caution tape. Confusion, fear and resistance are the almost palpable emotions depicted in the piece, demanding introspection and conversation.
We have enjoyed this exhibit and share the audience’s anticipation for new paintings as they are added. Pieces of the collection have been purchased by admirers from different parts of the country, and it’s sure that this premier body of work that makes up the “Undefined” series will continue to be appreciated and sought after. Onyx Art Gallery is honored to have been the first to formally offer Mr. Booker’s art, and we look forward to witnessing his creative expansion and development. The collection was shown in our space through the summer of 2020, and has since been included in a few the valley’s most important shows since.
Live painting of “Gold Member”.
“Am I Next?”
Oils on canvas, resin.
30” x 40”
$5000
“Pressure”
Oils on canvas. 24”x30”
(Not for sale.)