Murray illustrates “The Opal Desert”
John was delighted to collaborate with best selling author Di Morrissey on her recently released opal epic.
As well as the stunning cover image, the series of 15 liquid ink works on canvas help weave the tale of three women over 3 generation in the opal fields of Lightning Ridge and Whitecliffs in outback Australia.
The canvas series will be launched in the gallery to coincide with John’s annual calendar signing this Saturday 10th of December. View the images below, to purchase online click here to go to the originals gallery
Viki Murray wins Grand Prize in Cody Australian Opal Photographic Prize
The inaugural photography competition, hosted by the Australian Opal Centre and LRMA showcased works from the Australian Opal Fields. Several of Viki's works featured in the exhibition, with "Opals 4 Sale" shot on the 3 Mile taking out the Grand Prize. This work and others can be seen here with Viki's recent collection of work
JOHN IS PEOPLES CHOICE FOR 2011 AT THE ROYAL EASTER SHOW
To follow up on his PEOPLES CHOICE last year, Murray has now won the same award in the SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW, 2011. "MASTERS APPRENTICES" (below) was the peoples favourite in the OPEN ART PRIZE this year, a title John has taken out previously for his country flavoured paintings. John won the Royal Easter Show in 2000.
'THE OLD GHAN LINE' TAKES OUT PEOPLES CHOICE
Country Energy Art Prize 2010
John Murray's entry into the prestigious art prize has once again scooped the Peoples Choice Award.
"The Old Ghan Line" was inspired by the artists repeated trips out to the Old Ghan Line, and is his third study of the disbanded railyway line on the Oodnadatta track. The work is currently touring with "Country Scapes" at regional galleries across NSW and is still available for purchase.
NSW Parliament House
'OUTBACK ART'
John Murray and fellow outback painters exhibited together at NSW Parliament House from 1-26 November 2010.
‘Outback’ was a feature of prominent and emerging outback artists organised by Kevin Humphries MP. Showcasing the quality and diversity of outback art in the Barwon region, included in the promotion were well known contemporaries of John Murray such as Peter Mortimore, Peter Brown and Albert Woodroffe.
The promotion was officially opened by Alan Jones on November 10, who along with our MP and organiser Kevin Humphries is passionate about the outback and complimented the artists on their ongoing contribution to country communities through their art . Peter Mortimore did a fabulous job of curating and all in attendance enjoyed the art and the evening. Special thanks to Ann Crossing for coordinating the exhibition over a period of 12 months, she did an amazing job.
Alan Jones opening the exhibition in front of 'Birdsville Bound'.
Kevin Humphries and the exhibiting artists.
Above: John Murray and Alan Jones. Below: Peter Mortimore, of Dubbo;one of John Murray's good friends and colleagues, who did the curating of the exhibition.
Above: Viki Murray and Lia Browne,
John Murray and Warren Mason, friend and artist formerly of Goodooga; in front of Warren's work.
Where? The Fountain Court is a public foyer inside Parliament House, Macquarie St Sydney.
When? The featured paintings are displayed from Nov 1-26
The outback art promotion is now open to the public. John has five paintings displayed, all available for purchase. Enquiries to be made directly to John Murray Art Gallery.
Of the many paintings he has produced in his prolific career, ‘Birdsville Bound’ is one of John Murray's definitive works. It encapsulates the open space of the Australian interior that John describes as ‘noisy with silence’, and is the essence of the dry, dusty aridness of the outback. Based on the road to Betoota just north of Birdsville, outback Queensland, John has gradually added to this work after several journeys out to the region.
The size of the painting invites one to take their senses to that open space, feel the heat, breathe in the vastness and drive down that dusty track.
Above: Birdsville Bound - triptych - each canvas measures 180cm x 120 cm. Acrylic on canvas
View this work larger
Below: John with the painting after the final details are finished, October 2010
Below. Close up of recent detail added to "Birdsville Bound"
'The Intruder' - acrylic on canvas - 40cm x 40cm
'Public Housing' - acrylic on canvas - 40cm x 40cm
'Birdsville Bound' - acrylic on canvas tryptich - 180cm x 120cm (x3)
Online Dating - acrylic on canvas 40cm x 40cm
Networking - acrylic on canvas 40cm x 40cm
Contact John Murray Art Gallery if you would like to discuss the purchase of any of the works above.
Ph. 0268 291130 during business hours.
info@johnmurrayart.com.au
The Secret Life of Rust
NEW photography by Vikimages is on display now in the gallery
Three selections from the 'Rust' series. All of the 18 images are in the block mounted format. The metallic finish lends itself brilliantly to the graphic, abstract textures.
The 18 images are printed on metallic endura paper and block mounted.
About the images................
My latest collection of images evolved out of a renewed creative interest in my own backyard. Intentionally untangling myself psychologically from preconceptions of what to photograph, the only objective was to be out wandering with the camera on the rare afternoons during the winter bleakness that the sun came out to play.
I knew I wanted to harness my growing interest in the dynamics of texture and colour. Additionally I wanted to keep exploring the qualities and stories inherent in the simplest of objects that surround us; if we only take the time out to let them present themselves.
During my recent winter sauntering, what presented in all it’s
decaying, oxidising glory was RUST.
Not exactly a revelation in such an environment! Old car wrecks that I had photographed years before appeared before me with a renewed complexity. How intriguing the process of oxidisation is. Rust is alive, it’s layers denote past, present and future.
Traipsing around the opal fields, the collection just emerged organically right before my eyes. A random midday stroll with a friend presented a rusty plethora of corroded storylines on forty four gallon drums. Though grey and bleak at the time, one glance and I knew that it only took a vivid afternoon glow to morph the mundane into abstract magnificence.
As the process evolved over days and weeks the colour and detail became the focus and my vision narrowed.
The graphic strokes of the grinder against varying hues of vivid blue paint and intense ochre corrosion reveal the secret life of rust. A life that if we are to go by the dictionary meaning of rust, is one of decline, decay and deterioration.
On closer inspection; rust emerges as a continual process of growth and change and to me, another opportunity to discover artistry in the everyday.
Just Passing Through.....photography by Vikimages
Featuring at John Murray Art Gallery June 1-13
Viki Murray has re-emerged as the creative force of Vikimages, with her latest offering of Just Passing Through.....hanging now at John Murray Art.
On Saturday June 29th a crowd of over 90 people gathered to celebrate the opening of the vibrant and evocative digital images. The photographer was both delighted and surprised at the positive response to her work, with the red dots flying soon after local dignitary and friend of the artist, Maxine OBrien officially opened the event. The still life series was particularly well received, as were 'Floating Prayers' and 'Daily Passages.
Viki and John Murray at their gallery for the opening
Viki and Sue Hynes in front of 'Look before passing' a collection of still life block mounted photographs
'Daily Passages' one of the highlights of Just Passing Through....