Matthew Murphy : Venus and Cup

15 Jul-20 Sep 2013

Overview

Matthew Murphy creates portraits of imaginary models that take much of their visual language from Old Master paintings and drawing. His subjects are most often in an abject state with confusion and alienation written on their faces. Sometimes they tear themselves apart, mimicking poses from Renaissance anatomical drawings. But instead of revealing organic inner workings, where we would expect to see the stomach, the liver, the kidneys or a womb, Murphy instead shows us empty wine bottle and drinks glasses, set in an abdominal cavity devoid of working organs. A sense of anxiety, alcoholism, and alienation belies their youthful skin and handsome faces.