Philip Aguirre y Otegui

Philip Aguirre y Otegui, born in 1961 in Schoten, Belgium, is a prominent Belgian artist known for his work as a sculptor and painter. His artistic focus primarily revolves around themes of migration, refugees, and the interplay between water and architecture. Aguirre's background is deeply influenced by his family's history; his father fled the Spanish Civil War, and his mother’s family faced persecution during World War II in Belgium.
Aguirre studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and has since created numerous significant works, including installations and public sculptures. One of his notable achievements is the Théatre Source, a monumental installation in Douala, Cameroon, which won him the International Award for Public Art in 2017. This project transformed a muddy well into a community gathering space over nine months
His artistic influences include renowned figures such as Frans Masereel, Constantin Brâncuși, and Alberto Giacometti. Aguirre's work often reflects a humanistic vision, aiming to bring art to the public and provoke thought about social issues