The following is an excerpt from an article on Art in America by Tim Gentles on November 21, 2014.
“For me, graphics programs are spiritual tools that allow one to psychedelically engage with the fabric of reality. I’m deeply committed to pushing the innovative possibilities inherent in these contemporary folk art tools.”
– Brenna Murphy
Combining digital image-making with motifs of mysticism, the work of artist Brenna Murphy blurs ancient traditions and the bleeding edge of technology. In her latest exhibition, at Brooklyn’s American Medium (through Nov. 23), the virtual spaces in which her work is composed enter the gallery space through a series of digital prints and MDF and plexiglass sculptures. Murphy, who lives in Portland, Ore., works with 3D graphics and video game development software to construct psychedelic, labyrinth-like worlds that evoke the cryptic visual forms of ancient civilizations. These worlds are then photographed and printed, or otherwise rendered into three-dimensional objects via computer-aided fabrication. Murphy suggests that such advanced software and hardware technology function as “contemporary folk art tools,” enabling us to close the gap between imagination and reality.
The artist is currently preparing for two shows. Her solo show “Central~Lattice Tool Array” opens next month at Portland’s Upfor Gallery (Dec. 4, 2014-Jan. 17, 2015). She’ll also be included in the week-long group show Hypersalon South Beach in Florida, which will coincide with the Art Basel in Miami Beach art fair (Nov. 29-Dec. 7).
She took a break to talk to Art in America by Skype about the state of the digital commons and possible links between the technological and the spiritual. To read the full interview over on Art in America, click here.
To learn more about Brenna Murphy and to see more stunning photographs of works from her current show at American Medium, visit the gallery’s website. And be sure to check out her exhibition “Central~Lattice Tool Array” when it opens in Portland at Upfor Gallery next month! There will be an opening reception Thursday, December 4 from 6-8 pm.
