Running from June 1 to June 23, Critical Points is a response to site, created through the collection of seismic surveys from Launceston’s Cataract Gorge. 

The result is an augmented and fluid shape, presenting an interpretation and new language for the landscape and stories of the Gorge. 

The 26-year-old said he was inspired after researching the site for his Contemporary Arts Honours course.

“I came across these seismic refraction surveys, which relate to the small tremors in the area,” he said.

“I found some maps, which I used to inform my sculpting of the different works.”

Murphy’s previous artwork and design has included cast aluminium sculptures, polystyrene, immersive installations and set design. 

While Critical Points marks his first exploration into clay, the sculptor has previously completed a response to Lake Pedder, entitled Traces.

The series of styrofoam sea-stack inspired sculptures are intended to appear as though they are rose quartz formations. 

Having previously been displayed at Sawtooth ARI, the works formed part of last year’s Junction Arts Festival in September. 

He said the sculptures were what drew him to delve deeper into artwork.

“The work with Lake Pedder turned out quite well, so I decided to study art,” he said.

“After finishing my architecture course, I enrolled in Contemporary Art.” 

It was his study of architecture that prompted his move to Launceston five years ago from Melbourne.

He has since been an avid contributor to community’s art scene through a varied range of exhibitions.

Murphy has already been recognised for his work this year, winning the North East Bakhap Sculpture prize in May for his piece, Impression V.

He is now in the process of fabricating his winning piece.

He was also curated into the Lorne Sculptural Biennale Landfall public art exhibition in March.

Critical Points is the second time his work has been exhibited at Sawtooth ARI this year, after he also put work forward for Mona Foma’s Seven exhibition in January.

His first exploration of clay, Murphy is drawn to the plasticity of the medium and is finding the new technique a rewarding challenge. 

Held across seven days, the work also featured Mat Carey, Alistair Mooney, Lina Buck, Garth Howells, Jessica Dorloff, Darryl Rogers, Steven Carson, Erin Linhart, Mae Finlayson, Josh Foley, Kimberly Pace, Seve de Angelis and Michelle Smith.

Murphy said he was “very familiar” with the space.