Phillip Hyman was hospitalized two days ago after suffering from a heart attack. He’s fine now, he said, recovering at MUSC’s intensive care unit after surgery to implant stents to relieve what had been 100 percent blockage. Since Monday, he’s been under observation, but he should be well enough to leave Thursday, he said.
Hyman is the organizer of Evolution, an art show that’s an alternative to Spoleto. It features familiar artist working around the Charleston area, including Wolfkid, Sht!, Kevin Harrison, and James Christopher Hill.
Hyman is known for the recent staging of Metamorphosis, carnival-like event centered on the arts in North Charleston. He’s also known for several downtown art shows in which he transformed abandoned buildings into exhibit space. He normally maintains an intense pace, doesn’t sleep much, and works tirelessly. He’s also working with the I’On Group to promote North Charleston as a hub of creativity.
Despite his illness, Hyman has no plans to slow down. He’s too dedicated and serious about homegrown art to drop out of the scene. He told me that he has a family history of heart disorders (“My grandfather had seven heart attacks before he died,” Hyman told me). But as long as he maintains a proper diet, as he has been, and follows doctor’s order, he should be able to get back to normal.
Much of the work of Evolution is still to be done. If you would like to help, call 345-3670.
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