Text 5: Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy is an perceptual, sculptural, installation, and political artist. He started in 2007 and is still active now. He utilizes optical illusions, technology, and spacial techniques to create his pieces. He is influences by pop culture, brands, current events, and iconic figures. The artwork I will be highlighting is one his most popular pieces called "Gun Country". This piece was created in 2014.

This piece was presented an art gallery in Philadelphia called "Truth to Power" which coincidence with the Democratic National Convention. This gallery had many artworks from artists that are politically active. In this instillation done by Murphy you can see about 100 toy guns being suspended in the air making a shape of a gun. As you walk the illusion changes to the shape of the United States. This piece shows the ugly truth that this nation has a problem with guns and is known as a gun country. This piece is so impactful because of strong almost disturbing message it hold. The use of toy guns in this piece is what really sends the message across. This piece and majority of Murphy artwork is post modernism because he uses techniques like these to create political/ social messages to his audience.