SCOOP Studios in Charleston, SC, will present the exhibit, From the Ashes, featuring works by local abstract artist, Christopher Murphy, on view from Apr. 1 - 30, 2011. A reception will be held on Apr. 1, from 5-8pm.

The show is a collection of paintings about destruction and renewal. Murphy says, “This concept does not necessarily mean catastrophe, just simply change.”

New paintings created this year along with those made in collaboration with the Byers Design Group last fall in Urban Perspectives will be exhibited together in From the Ashes. The artist remarks, “I will continue to explore similar themes with each new body of work, but I am always looking for bigger and better ways to use reclaimed materials in my paintings.” By saying, “bigger and better,” Murphy means more three-dimensional using found objects including textiles, toys and various hardware.

When asked what are his favorite found objects, Murphy answered “Toys! They don’t always work in my paintings, but I use them whenever I can.” His new work takes a more serious look at change and how it can be a painful, but also a great purifying experience. “This kind of transformation is expressed through the use of discarded objects, printed materials, and other debris that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This process of making art in this way reinforces the theme of destruction and renewal,” explains the artist.

Murphy won the 2nd Place award in the Piccolo Spoleto Festival Juried Exhibition in 2010 with his signature piece from the solo show Lines of Communications. The artist was invited to show his work at the Flagship Gallery in the Digital Corridor in Charleston in addition to the Urban Perspectives show at Byers Design Group.

Murphy is a native of Florida, won a scholarship to Columbus College of Art and Design where he received his BA then earned his Master of Fine Arts from Georgia Southern University. His next big role in life is fatherhood; Murphy and his wife are expecting their first child in late summer 2011.

For further information check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call the gallery at 843/577-3292 or visit (www.scoopcontemporary.com).