Art Part
Artist
Elizabeth Murray
(American, 1940 - 2007)
Date1981
MediumOil on 22 canvases
DimensionsOverall: 115 × 124 inches (292.1 × 314.96 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: acquired through the generosity of the William T. Kemper Foundation–Commerce Bank, Trustee
Object number2000.19.A-V
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionConsists of 22 irregularly shaped canvases that are hung together to form the complete work. A green hand with splayed fingers thrusts diagonally from the lower right corner. It holds a white paintbrush with a purplish border, and appears to have just painted a light blue "brushstroke." The background is darker blue.Gallery LabelElizabeth Murray's canvases feature lively, cartoon-like images. In Art Part, a green hand grasping a white and reddish paintbrush trails a meandering brushstroke.
The hand and brush are symbols for the artist and impart layers of art historical and autobiographical significance. In the 1970s and early 1980s many younger artists and critics believed that further innovation in painting was impossible. Many chose to work in sculpture, film, video and performance art. Murray's decision to paint recognizable images upset art world conventions.
Art Part can suggest personal themes. Regarding an earlier painting Murray stated, "out of shattered pieces, I believed I could make a whole. This applied to my art and my life."
The hand and brush are symbols for the artist and impart layers of art historical and autobiographical significance. In the 1970s and early 1980s many younger artists and critics believed that further innovation in painting was impossible. Many chose to work in sculpture, film, video and performance art. Murray's decision to paint recognizable images upset art world conventions.
Art Part can suggest personal themes. Regarding an earlier painting Murray stated, "out of shattered pieces, I believed I could make a whole. This applied to my art and my life."
Copyright© Estate of Elizabeth Murray / Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
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