Beginnings

About

Beginnings, a solo exhibition by artist Willow Murphy, comprises a body of painting and drawing that reflect an intersection of beginnings in the artist's life. Some new, some familiar, some changed. All colourful and rich. ​

Predominantly working in oils, you’ll find reference and homage to Murphy’s artistic heroes woven throughout her work. Note elements of Matisse’s boldness and use of pattern, Thiebaud’s exaggerated street perspectives and sense of movement, Wes Anderson’s clean colours and elements of surprise, Chagall’s imagination and surrealism and Hockney’s sense of exuberance. Willow channels her passion through the imagery of the things closest to her, her every day: 

“I’m constantly on the lookout for scenes and visuals to incorporate into my work, often trying to turn a familiar or mundane scene on its head. I oversimplify and exaggerate details of reality or blur memories - making the familiar fantastical, while still recognisable. I care about how my work is experienced. Beyond brightening a wall, I hope to brighten someone’s day. In this, I choose subjects and colours that make me, and hopefully others, feel good.”

Beginnings merges influence, perspective and experience in Murphy’s co-created collections of explosively colourful series. Each subject cluster reflecting an amalgam of beginnings: excitement and rediscovery of a world returning to and seizing life. A momentous career shift, seeing Murphy become a full-time artist. And most excitingly, the birth of her child a few days before the exhibition launched!