'Equivocal Landscape' by John Murphy

Equivocal Landscape by John Murphy
Friday 3rd May – Sun 26th May
Exhibition opening Fri 10 May | 5pm – 8pm | Unit 9 Gallery | South Square

The work in this exhibition reflects John’s interest in using pattern to create abstraction of the landscape. It charts the development of his recent work from identifiably landscape-based paintings to a more ambiguous and darker imagery using acrylic monotypes.

Artist Statement

This exhibition contains works I have made in the last year.

It started with an interest in looking at ways to abstract the landscape, in particular by using pattern. The watercolour pieces are clearly based on particular places and use a variety of pattern making techniques in an attempt to reassess how we look at the landscape.

In the days of Instagram, it is impossible to work in a void, and to some extent the patterns come from watching makers on social media creating simple patterns as meditative work. I wondered if there was a way to take this and use it in a representational context. This is the result.

The development of the later pieces came from exploring different monotype techniques. These are less literally landscape, but look at the colour and texture of the environment (both real and fictional) for inspiration. Using geometric themes, with natural textural elements allows me to explore the opportunities and strictures of the print medium without focussing on a truly representational outcome.