"Icons are the vocabulary of collective memory, revealing layers of history and culture through urban archaeology."

Phoenix Roe's practice excavates collective memory through aerosol archaeology. By combining spray-paint stenciling with oil glazing techniques, his canvases preserve cultural ephemera such as fading neon signage and weathered posters. The self-taught artist developed a unique "reverse graffiti" method by sandblasting through acrylic layers to reveal spray-painted underlayers, creating urban palimpsests that document the visual evolution of cities.

Phoenix's work is deeply rooted in exploring how icons and symbols shape our shared histories. His innovative approach not only captures the transient beauty of urban decay but also highlights the stories embedded within these decaying structures. Through meticulous layering and intricate detailing, Phoenix creates pieces that invite viewers to reflect on the past while contemplating the present and future of urban landscapes.

Each piece Phoenix creates serves as a time capsule, preserving fragments of cultural heritage that might otherwise be lost to time. His use of reverse graffiti symbolizes the uncovering of hidden narratives beneath the surface of modern cities. This technique allows him to create layered artworks that tell complex stories about community, identity, and change over time.