At One with the City—Phil Wilson

Hidden in every image is a layer of nature that appears to be constructed. And yet, each sighting is found: a deer crossing a busy intersection of an inner-city construction site, feline outlook points on a roof or window sill, a rabbit in a hedge, a cross-legged boy on top of a plinth. These images explore how buildings are used, and how places are lived in. The experience of surprise at a skyscraper window cleaner or an elevator repairman reveal the function of our built environment. Describing his interest in the wildlife and domesticated animals that occupy the city, the artist’s enquiry is around the line defined between natural and man-made. He writes, “I imagine that as we begin to erase the line between what we deem to be natural and what is man-made, we can begin to evolve the city in a more effective and meaningful way.” Blurring the definition between human and animal, between surface and form, our experiences become collective—at one with the city.

All Images: Courtesy of the artist.

Phil Wilson is a citizen of Calgary and currently works at an architectural office. Walking and biking around the city, architecture and music are his main interests.