MY CHOICE: Jess Murphy / June 2022
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MY CHOICE: Jess Murphy / June 2022

June 2022: Jess Murphy

Each month a member of our community is invited to browse our online collection and select six of their favourite artworks. Each My Choice selection, together with personal responses to the works, will be available to view on the Sarjeant Gallery website for one month at a time. The June 2022 My Choice has been selected by Jess Murphy and is available to view until 30 June, 2022.

Jess Murphy is originally from Wellington and studied textile design at Massey University. She moved to London with photographer and husband Charlie McKay, where she worked for British set designer Shona Heath. During this time, she worked alongside prominent fashion photographers, designed spaces for Dior, Hermes, Marni, the V&A Museum; and worked for top publications like Vogue, AnOther, i-D, W Magazine and LOVE. Jess’s practice also includes ceramic sculpture, and was recently included in the exhibition No 43, curated by Atelier LK at the former home of artist Ron Hitchins in London Fields.

In late 2021, Jess and Charlie moved to Whanganui, Charlie’s hometown, and established Outpost Projects. The pair have a studio and shoot space in an old art deco building by the river and continue to work for international clients from their base in Whanganui.

See Jess’ selections on our Explore the Collection ‘My Choice Exhibition Series’ highlight here

Jess’ Choices:

Richard Wotton, Tape #8, Wanganui 1984, 1984, 1986.4.1

“I loved discovering Richard Wotton’s work in the Sarjeant collection, especially his photographs of tape! Hard to choose a favourite, but Tape #8 is particularly lovely… the sunfaded red strapping and the clingy green plastic! …Both industrial and bondage at once. It’s perfectly uncomfortable and I love it. ”

Mervyn Williams, Woodwork I 1988, 1988, 1991.2.2

“It feels as though this piece is constantly moving and wriggling but at the same time it’s also wooden and rigid – energetic but also meditative. Reminds me of the fish and chip shop magic eyes of my childhood, asking you to search for the hidden picture. ”

James Ross, Flesh Elegy, 1948, 1991.21.1

“I love everything about this work. The tapered shape of the hardboard and the tonal shades of fleshy pink. It’s immediately pleasing to look at, but also quite haunting on closer inspection… ghost-like.”

Edith Collier, Māori Women at Kawhia, circa 1913-1960, 1.17

“I really enjoy this painting on quite a basic level. I love the tones and textures in the women’s clothing and it’s a really peaceful scene to sit with.”

Edith Collier, The Spanish Woman, 1920, 1.31

“Such a beautiful painting. Edith Collier’s use of colour feels really modern here… the tones in the woman’s face and the warmth of her expression are wonderful and unexpected. “

David Murray, Resign, 2006, 2008.10.1

“The colour and the softness of this piece are really calming to look at…such a beautiful deep blue. I love hard things that have a softness, and this piece does that so wonderfully. Jelly-like but also heroic.”

Category
Past Exhibitions 2022