ARTWORK DETAILS

Xavier Murphy-Clarke
Life + Death Installation
Photographic series and original collages in artists book

ARTIST STATEMENT

My body of work, Life + Death, is a visual metaphor for the interconnectedness between these two elements and how one cannot exist without the other. I have explored this theme through my own personal context, reflection, and interpretation. I manipulated the medium of collage, to depict the shocking symbiotic relationship between life and death. My use of the universal symbols for death and life was inspired by Marian Drew. Creating an absurd sense of juxtaposition by applying the principle of contrast, I encourage the audience to explore the inevitability of their own death.

ARTWORK PROCESS

Student created 120 collage and mixed media works in a hand weathered artists book and photographed then digitally manipulated the results

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Xavier Murphy-Clarke

Xavier Murphy-Clarke is a 16yr old student from Iona College. Xavier was born in Brisbane and is a keen artist, actor, and scriptwriter. Xavier is interested in Gothic, Steam Punk, and Victorian aesthetics. This is shown in his work and in his interest in the themes of life and death.