Phibs aka Tim De Haan, was born in a town along coastal New South Wales, Australia in 1974. Phibs began his career as a graffiti tagger. He produces detailed and intricate works across a vast variety of media using both aerosol and acrylic paints. Phibs’ complex wild-style graffiti incorporates interwoven and overlapping lettering and characters, reflecting his unique realms of symbolism, multiculturalism and mythology; often inspired by Aztec and Mayan art and mythology.
Another common theme in Phibs’s work is the use of indigenous and tribal motifs, particularly koru style curls. His ‘tribal style’ heads, often referred to as his ‘phibsong‘ free-style, incorporates a menagerie of signature characters, largely inspired by nature. Other compositions may feature animals such as fish or birds, presented in a vibrant mix of complimentary colours.
- Phibs has been commissioned to create large scale artworks for companies such as Absolut Vodka; Max Brenner chocolates in Paddington; and the Glow Cafe in Newtown and a number of alleyways throughout the city of Sydney.
From Sydney Phibs moved to Melbourne in 2001 and became one of the most respected and renowned names in Australian Graffiti/Street Art. He joined the Everfresh Crew studio collective based in Fitzroy (an inner suburb of Melbourne), with other street artists including Rone and Mike Maka(tron).
- Phibs has painted so many walls around Fitzroy, that it has been affectionately known by the locals as ‘Phibsroy’.
In Melbourne, Phibs has established a name within the fine arts world and has rapidly become one of the cities most respected and renowned artists, on and off the streets. Several of his works have been acquired by the National Gallery of Australia for its permanent collection.
His public art works are prolific in both Sydney and Melbourne and can also be found on walls around the world, including the cities of Berlin, Miami and New York.
- Discover more about Phibs from his website or email direct: timphibs@gmail.com
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