This complex and meticulously crafted artwork reinterprets M.C. Escher’s famous “Hand with Reflecting Sphere” through a fascinating combination of pixelation, pointillism, and intricate text. Phil has created an illusion within an illusion: the spherical reflection that captures a seated figure, a self-portrait of Escher himself, is composed entirely of his quotes. His words are used not only to render details but also to convey themes, adding layers of meaning to the visual experience.

The pixelated sections give the piece a fragmented, digital quality, juxtaposing the organic, continuous reflection of Escher’s original with a grid-like disintegration. This choice suggests a meditation on perception in the modern world, where reality is often mediated through screens, pixels, and fractured narratives. The words and phrases within each "pixel" are not just texture—they invite viewers to engage, to read and absorb, deepening the artwork’s introspective nature. It's as if each word is a thought in the artist’s mind, a glimpse into the mental landscape of the figure staring back at us from within the sphere.

In monochromatic black and white, the drawing plays with light and shadow through text density, creating a striking chiaroscuro effect that gives depth to the scene. The smooth, reflective curve of the sphere contrasts beautifully with the sharpness of the text blocks, highlighting the artist’s skill in balancing abstraction and realism. This fusion of classic art with a contemporary textual twist makes the piece feel timeless yet distinctly modern.

For a collector, this artwork is a conversation starter that celebrates both the precision of Escher’s original vision and the interpretive freedom of contemporary art. It invites prolonged contemplation and discovery, as each viewing reveals new words, phrases, and connections that bring a unique perspective to Escher’s iconic theme of self-reflection. Owning this piece means embracing an artwork that bridges eras and mediums, a piece that both honors and redefines the nature of perception, reality, and the self.