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Works by Michael MurphyTRANSCRIPT
WORKS BY MICHAEL MURPHY
WORKS BY MICHAEL MURPHYExhibition: SEptEmbEr 8 - octobEr 6, 2011
LivE pErformancES: SEptEmbEr 15, 6-9pm @ gaLLEry ninE5
& SEptEmbEr 16, 8-9pm @ waShington SquarE park, nyc (bEnEath thE arch)
Michael murphy’s sophisticated conceptual approach to creation is evident in his constant search for new and innovative methods of artistic practice. the artist’s virtuosity spans a staggering range of media: sculpture, drawing, painting, sound and installation. fascinated with light, color, tone and shape, murphy strives to challenge the boundaries between the second and third dimensions, with optical illusions often employed to this end. works such as red cross appear as if they are flat planes from a distance however, when viewed from a closer standpoint, become symbol rich, three-dimensional objects.
given the conceptual scope of the works, murphy considers each of his pieces to be independent entities and eschews working in series. with each work created, the artist will experiment with a new medium, adventurously fusing more classical art making techniques with digital processes and manual skills.
portraiture plays an important role in the artist’s oeuvre. murphy is capable of imbuing his subjects with profound psychological intensity. the artist’s wire portrait of president barack obama was received to critical acclaim and was featured in timE magazine’s December 2008 issue. iris, a nail and shadow portrait depicting a young girl, delicately echoes the girl’s personality traits in its formal properties.
to celebrate the exhibition launch, murphy will stage an exceptional performance in washington Square park. in conjunction with the new york city Department of parks and recreation thework, a sound and light installation, will incorporate a cellist playing both classical and morecontemporary compositions. Surrounded by shallow pools, the ripples produced in the water bythe music’s vibrations will be projected onto the washington Square arch in a dazzling spectacle of light and sound.
the artist has exhibited widely throughout the united States. most recently, murphy participated in the widely publicized re:form School exhibition in new york city alongside works by Shepard fairey, Swoon and ron English.
murphy has been featured in numerous publications including timE magazine, new york magazine, american artist’s uptown magazine, and washington Life. his works are held in private collections in munich, London, Zurich, Los angeles, atlanta, new york city, chicago, cleveland and washington Dc.
corey installation/Sculpture - recycled bullet proof glass, braided fiber and wood24 x 32 x 48 in / 61 x 81.3 x 122 cm
katieinstallation/Sculpture - recycled bullet proof glass, braided fiber, wood and acrylic18 x 22 x 36 in / 45.7 x 55.9 x 91.4 cm
crucifixionSculpture - popsicle sticks and red rustoleum20 x 44 x 60 in / 50.8 x 111.8 x 152.4 cm
praycrayon and oil on wood24 x 18 1/8 x 2 5/8 in / 61 x 46 x 6.7 cm
obama nail portraitinstallation of nails, oil, wood, light and shadow24 x 24 x 4 in / 61 x 61 x 10.2 cm
illusion of godinstallation of nails, oil, wood, light and shadow24 x 24 x 4 in / 61 x 61 x 10.2 cm
irisinstallation of nails, oil, wood, light and shadow25 1/2 x 34 x 3 in / 64.8 x 86.4 x 7.6 cm
raminstallation/Sculpture - recycled bullet proof glass, braided fiber and wood32 x 24 x 48 in / 81.3 x 61 x 122 cm
brinsleyinstallation/Sculpture - acrylic, oil, wood and monofilament 44 x 25 x 18 in / 111.8 x 63.5 x 45.7 cm
Saraacrylic on canvas93 3/4 x 78 in / 238 x 198 cm
tension (obama) installation/Sculpture - 1,000 feet high tension wire, wood and oil 90 x 24 x 24 in / 228.6 x 61 x 61 cm
maryinstallation/Sculpture - high tension wire, wood and oil 49 1/2 x 28 1/2 x 28 1/2 in / 125.7 x 72.4 x 72.4 cm
water tables for isaiahSteel pan, transducer, amp, poplar base, sound and light5 1/2 x 64 x 36 in, each / 14 x 157.5 x 91.4 cm, each
blurtwelve painted urethane units and wood25 x 25 x 4 1/4 in, each panel / 63.5 x 63.5 x 10.8 cm, dimensions variable
SEPtEMBER 2011