Phillipa Klaiber is a Photographic Artist with an MA in Photography from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). The central themes of her practice are the quiet occurrences of nature and the intersection between the human and natural worlds. She works with photography, archives, plant-based processes and collaborative practice to create work that is poetic and instinctual.
Currently, Phillipa is working on two long-term projects:
‘Compost’ (2021-present) - a collaboration with photographer Michael Swann. ‘Compost’ uses ideas in queer theory and ecology to dismantle heteronormative views of nature and highlight that humanity and nature are not separate entities. ‘Compost’ was shown at FORMAT Festival in 2023 and the duo received a Realisation Grant from the Centre for British Photography in 2024.
‘Understories’ (2022-present) - an intimate study of a decaying Beech tree and the lives that are fostered in its death. ‘Understories’ was shortlisted for Hapax X Bristol Photo Festival in 2024.
(Based in Bristol, UK)
phillipa.klaiber@gmail.com
@phillipaklaiber
Exhibitions
Coming June 2025 Metamorphosis group show with PEP at La Nature Festival (Belgium)
2024 Illumination, a group exhibition at Centre Space Gallery
2023 ‘Compost’ at FORMAT festival
2022 'Compost' work in progress exhibition at Boomsatsuma Gallery
2022 East meets West, '22' at FORMAT Festival
2017 Diffusion Festival
2016 Atkins CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year
Selected Awards & Recognition
2024 Bristol Photo Festival x Hapax [shortlist]
2024 CBP Realisation Grant [winner]
2022 OD Photo Prize [shortlisted]
2021 Photobook Awards EI2021 [shortlisted]
2020 Genesis Imaging Postgraduate Award [commended]
2019 Film Photo Award [finalist]
2019 GRAIN Bursary [shortlist]
Education
2020 MA Photography, University of West England
2014 BA(Hons) Photography, University of Gloucestershire
Features and Publications
HANDS with Valentine Editions
WÜL Magazine ‘Speaking about queer theory, ecology, sexuality, and gender’ [online]
The Heavy Collective
Velvet Eyes Mag [online]
Broad Magazine [online]
Pupil Sphere Graduate Showcase
Phroom Magazine [online]
Photomeet, “The Rural” [online]
Lenscratch [online]