Rob Philippe Ashford (b. 1993; Johannesburg, South Africa) practice explores relationships and conflicts between space, identity and temporality. Central to this is an ongoing investigation into the cultural and historical forces that have shaped his past and present environment. Through material processes such as dyeing, spraying and reclamation he seeks to create new responses to these conditions as well as an expansive idea of painting and the image.
Working in and outside the language of painting he creates, dissects and assembles new spaces within its frame whilst also questioning and engaging the context around them. The canvas, its physicality and image are constantly reworked and re-stretched to reveal new sites of engagement. As such rather than static fragments the paintings work as bodies and accumulations in discourse within themselves and their environment.
