Exhibition John Philip Murray

This was a solo exhibition I visited during October, of roughly 25 drawings and paintings by the artist John Philip Murray. They were on display in a purpose built and well lit room at the Cork County Library, which is a very modern glass fronted building. 
Some works on display form part of an earlier series called ‘Sacred Paths’ based on the perceived human need for travel/pilgrimage. The ones on show in this exhibition are taken from actual roads in locations around County Cork. The theme also explores the idea that we humans are constantly searching for something and ancient roads/paths become a metaphor for this ‘quest’.

Route to the Bogboat - watercolour

Forming another part of the exhibition, ‘Measure’ - a large triptych and some small watercolour studies, explores the theme of the annunciation paintings by Fra Angelico. The large triptych ‘Measure’, part of which focuses on the angel’s enduring gaze, also treads on the ‘Sacred Paths’ theme and other themes the artist has used in the past.


Journey Started - graphite on paper




Afar - graphite on paper 2009 50x35cm



 I was suitably fascinated by a certain drawing - ‘Afar’ (part of the ‘Sacred Paths’ series) to focus my attention on this one in particular. It was actually one of the very few drawings on show and a fairly small scale work in relation to the huge triptych, but it did have quite a big impact on me. It portrays a landscape with a path or track extending away into the distance. Incidentally, when browsing around the artist’s website later I discovered that this drawing in fact has a partner which precedes it. The first drawing ‘Journey Started’ shows two figures walking away into a darkened landscape. The second landscape ‘Afar’ is an altogether brighter composition.

I can’t help thinking that the whole effect could have been enhanced if both drawings were on display alongside one another; however that, of course is only my interpretation.

To return to the drawing displayed, what most interested me about it was:  

I have a fascination with images which are suggestive of a path/track or passageway leading inwards or into the distance; it always leaves me wondering what could be around the corner or over the hill. They have the effect of drawing me in, and the way these two drawings are done are particularly interesting as they extend away through an undulating wilderness with numerous endless looking horizons. The contrasting areas of light and dark, (the paths are very light and flat in relation to the roughly textured and darkly rendered areas) to me are suggestive of foliage and vegetation. I think the dark areas could also represent possible obstacles along the way; this is most hinted at where one forms an almost unbroken dark thick horizontal band across the paper, giving a look of foreboding, just before the background. These textured areas, made up of multiple squiggly marks, add further to the distinct contrast with the paths. They begin in the foreground with the largest squiggles, alternating as the path recedes with the lighter, plainer areas, gradually reducing in size and adding to the sense of vastness and distance.

'Afar' - sketch made at the exhibition

Sketch of 'Route to the Bogboat'