Perceptual Art – Chaos or Perfection?

Collaging is inherently complex: arranging dozens of elements in a way that is visually pleasing, conveys meaning, and creates a whole that is better than its elements is difficult, to say the least. Our dada collages take this one step further by creating a moving collection. However, while elements in our collages interact with each other, they remain in 2 dimensions. We have only one way of experiencing the collage: exactly as the artist intended. Michael Murphy’s perceptual art is different. His collages span a space in all 3 dimensions, spreading elements in a seemingly disorganized and haphazard way. But as you walk around his artwork, suddenly, at one precise angle, everything falls into place. His giant ball of floating garbage magically arranges itself into a face, a fist, or an American flag. All the pieces line up to form one perfect image. His art isn’t something you can glance at and leave. Instead, it forces you to slow down, walk around, explore, and think. With this in mind, Murphy has often used his artwork as a form of activism. With such immersive pieces, he comments on solidarity, gun control, and even politics and partisanism. He reminds us to always look from a different angle.