Phillips brad

interview by OLIVIER ZAHM
all artworks courtesy of the artist

MESS MADE BY REQUEST 2, 2016, OIL ON CANVAS

OLIVIER ZAHM — As one of your pictures says on Instagram, you love your wife. What role does she play in your work, besides being photographed by you?

BRAD PHILLIPS — It’s hard to define what role Cristine Brache plays in my work. The word “muse” is sexist and archaic, and I can’t stand when people use it. I’ve painted her a few times, photographed her a lot more. I think more than anything, Cristine is a really good artist and writer, and I think being exposed to her brain and the way she makes her own work has influenced me in small ways. Her work is very nuanced and subversive. If anything, I think that being around her has just challenged me to step my game…