Michael Murphy


Michael Murphy’s sophisticated conceptual approach to artistic creation is evident in his constant search for new and innovative methods with which to execute his works.  With each piece, the artist will experiment with a new medium, adventurously fusing  classical art-making techniques with digital processes and manual skills.  The artist’s wire portrait of President Barack Obama received critical acclaim and was featured in TIME magazine’s December 2008 issue.

Murphy has exhibited widely and created numerous site-specific installations throughout the U.S.  Most recently, Murphy participated in the Re:Form School exhibition in New York City alongside Shepard Fairey, Swoon and Ron English.

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Fascinated with light, color, tone and shape, the artist 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 flat planes from a distance, however, when viewed from a closer standpoint, become symbol rich, three-dimensional objects.

Given the conceptual scope of each work, Murphy considers each of his pieces to be independent entities and eschews working in series.

Portraiture plays an important role in the artist’s oeuvre.  Murphy is capable of imbuing his subjects with profound psychological intensity.  Iris, a nail and shadow portrait depicting the artist’s daughter delicately echoes the girl’s personality traits in its formal properties.

Murphy has been featured in TIME Magazine, New York Magazine, ARK Magazine, American Artist’s Drawing Magazine, Uptown Magazine, Washington Life, Art for Obama, and Designing Obama.   His works are held in private collections in Munich, London, Zurich, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York City, Chicago, Cleveland and Washington DC.