Phoebe Ward

Phoebe Ward (b. 2002) is an English artist based in London, renowned for her distinctive fusion of photorealism and surrealism. Her work transports viewers into realms where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, creating a space where the extraordinary feels tangible and the familiar becomes a gateway to the surreal.

Phoebe draws inspiration from artistic greats like Francis Bacon, Maria Keryn, and Salvador Dalí, blending meticulous realism with dreamlike atmospheres. This convergence of influences has given rise to a signature style that captivates both the eye and the mind, balancing intensity with beauty in every piece.

A significant influence in her creative journey has been her father, Richard Ward, an artist whose legacy is woven into Phoebe’s early works. A series of intimate portraits of him marked the beginning of her artistic exploration, using different mediums and perspectives to pay tribute to his lasting impact on her vision and technique.

As a child, Phoebe experimented with abstraction, drawing early inspiration from artists like Picasso. Her talent was quickly recognized, leading to the creation of Christmas card designs for Usborne Books that were widely distributed. Over time, Phoebe gravitated toward photorealism, refining her technique to capture intricate details and explore complex narratives that are at the heart of her work today.

Her creative process is an exploration of texture, form, and emotion, blending traditional tools such as tonal pencils with contemporary elements like spray paint. The layering of textures and materials in her pieces creates depth and a dreamlike quality, inviting viewers into her world where reality and imagination coexist in harmony.

Much of Phoebe’s work is deeply personal. From evocative family portraits to introspective explorations of identity and memory, her art creates a visual dialogue that lingers in the mind long after viewing. Each piece is not just an artwork but an invitation to journey through Phoebe’s rich inner world, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the boundaries of reality stretch to embrace the surreal.