The City of North Charleston's Cultural Arts Department today announced that concurrent solo exhibitions of paintings by local artists Christopher Murphy and Julia Coello Gallagher will be on display at Park Circle Gallery from June 2nd through 26th, 2021.
A free reception will be held at the gallery on Friday, June 4th, from 5 pm to 7 pm. The public is invited to attend.
Careful Chaos – Paintings by Christopher Murphy (right)
In his exhibit, Careful Chaos, Christopher Murphy presents a collection of bold and colorful abstract mixed media paintings that go beyond pure design to explore contemporary culture and the collective human experience. In each composition Murphy builds up layers of paint, then gouges and sands the surface exposing parts of the under-painting to reveal previous versions of the work. He also incorporates found objects and random images which reflect his everyday experiences. “Painting for me is a process of discovery. The gestures, marks, and scribbles found throughout these works remind me that the practice of creating art transcends the materials,” Murphy explains. “The act of painting itself gives me a great sense of fulfillment. Once completed the paintings become a source of enlightenment for me. By revealing the process in the painting, it is my hope the viewer can follow the same path and share a similar experience.”
Christopher Murphy received his BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, OH, and his MFA from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. A recognized artist, he has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the southeast. He is also known for his involvement in the arts community through charity events and teaching at notable institutions such as Redux Contemporary Art Center and the Citadel in Charleston, SC. Learn more about the artist at ChristopherMurphyArt.com.
Free Form Wanderings – Paintings by Julia Coello Gallagher
Julia Coello Gallagher's exhibit, Free Form Wanderings, features a series of abstract expressionist paintings in acrylic and mixed media. Gallagher layers color and texture with experimentations in form to create intriguing abstract expressionist works. “Abstract-Expressionism dwarfs the capacity of words to capture the inherent nature of my subjects,” she explains. “Each work is created by allowing thinking and rationality to be suspended and subordinated to emotional expressivity.”
Originally from Spain and Venezuela, Julia Coello Gallagher earned degrees in Visual Arts and Interior Design in Caracas, Venezuela, then moved to the United States where she earned an additional BFA in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Technology in New York, NY. After abandoning her art practice and dedicating many years to Interior Design, she returned to painting, creating works heavily influenced by German and American Abstract-Expressionism. Intrigue, experimentation, and constantly looking for a different perspective are what motivate her creative process and fuel her passion to continue to return to her canvas. Julia is currently an Associate Artist at Art on the Square Gallery in Summerville, SC.
The Park Circle Gallery is located at 4820 Jenkins Avenue in North Charleston, in what was formerly known as the Olde Village Community Building. Admission is free and free street parking is available on Jenkins Avenue in front of the gallery, as well as on the adjacent streets and in parking lots close by. The gallery is open 10:00am-6:00pm Tuesday-Friday, and Noon-4:00pm on Saturday. Staff and all visitors must wear a face covering while they are in the gallery and practice social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be provided upon entry. For more information about PCG, call 843-637-3565 or email culturalarts@northcharleston.org. For information on other Cultural Arts programs and artist opportunities, visit the Arts & Culture section of the City's website at www.northcharleston.org.
