Brett Murray: LIMBO

About

Described as "the dark prince of South African pop (art)*", Murray’s sculptural works are a satirical response to the absurdities of power, particularly pertaining to the turbulent political situation in South Africa. A vocal, long-time critic of the former President, Jacob Zuma, most notably through his infamous portrait titled The Spear, Murray’s work also explores the ongoing culture war in his country and the clash between Afrocentrism and Eurocentrism.

The works in LIMBO present something of a departure for Murray; less obviously acerbic and political, they demonstrate a more intimate side of the artist – allowing us instead a glimpse of his familial life and a sense of vulnerability.

Created in response to the artists’ experience of lockdown and made in the ‘limbo’ of complete isolation with his family last year, the sculptures represent a host of animals inspired by netsuke figures - but which are also symbolic portraits of his partner and two young sons.