Sydney based artist Idris Murphy has been at the forefront of Australian landscape painting for over four decades. Primarily a landscape painter, Idris Murphy’s paintings are taken far beyond a literal representation of a landscape, to where he is striving to capture the spiritual attributes of country.
A recurring feature in his practice is the employment of a square, or squarish format. Idris Murphy has an acute sense of spatial awareness and manipulates the composition to give what can sometimes appear to be numerous orientations within one image.
‘There is an incredible balance and harmony in his artwork that reveals itself more and more upon consideration of the image’, says Director Mike Mitchell.
Idris Murphy remains one of the countries most revered and influential artists with his works held in the collections of, amongst others, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library of Australia, Parliament House Canberra, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The exhibition ‘Now and Then’ showcases Idris Murphy’s art practice over the last two decades. Many of these paintings have not been seen out of the studio in over a decade. Others are exquisite works painted recently during the period of lockdown and isolation. Some were painted now; some were painted then.
An exhibition opening will be held on Friday 21st October, from 6 – 8pm with Idris Murphy in attendance.
On Saturday 22nd October from 11am Idris will hold an Artist Talk in the Gallery, discussing his practice and the exhibition. All events are free and rsvp’s are not required.
Mitchell Fine Art is open 6 days a week; Monday to Friday 10am – 5.30pm and Saturday 10am – 5pm, with parking available onsite.
Image: Dam Evening Light, 41 x41cm acrylic on board (2011)
