Xavier McPhie

„Mystical Art“ from the Caribbean


The artist Xavier McPhie originates from the West Indies, exactly from Trinidad and Tobago. He was born close to the capital of Trinidad, Port-of-Spain, and grew up in a large family. As soon as in his school days his talent revealed itself as he decorated his exercise books with extraordinary figures. It were already the stylized warriors, bushmen and priests, that until today are the artist´s trademark. In his free time adolescent Xavier passionately enjoyed his comic collection and plunged deeply into the superheros´ universe. His friends simply call him „X“. A further aspect of his rich fantasy world are classic celtic myths with fairies, elves, gnomes and trolls. The source of this fascination can be found in his family history as some of his ancestors originate from Scotland and Wales indeed. During several months stays in these countries Xavier was able to explore this part of his roots.
The colorful Caribbean Carnival, the sounds of Steel pans and Reggae, the Rastafari movement and ancient African nature cults on one hand, sinister Highlands, misty hills, enchanted forests and Celtic legends on the other hand. Between these poles Xavier McPhies unique works of art evolve.
Being an autodidact the artist follows his instinct only, his „Vibes“, how they name it in the Caribbean. Its meaning goes beyond any translation. Xaviers works – from the pencil sketch to big formats in acrylics and oils – have one in common: the spiritual level. There is something „more“ behind the figures, forms and colors, that can be seen – or better be felt - as an aura. All of a sudden they appear in our Here and Now: the gods, the forefathers, the elementary powers, the energies of past eras. The name „Mystical Art“ tries to reflect this phenomenon.