I spent my earlier life as a scientist having obtained a science degree from London University. I then did all the necessary – foundation year, interview and gained entry as a mature student to Art College and studied Fine Art. After four years I graduated with an honours BA from the Crawford College of Art and Design in Cork Ireland in 2007.  Aiden Dunne, chief art critic of the Irish Times described my degree show as ‘Julian Opie meets Gary Hume in Liam Murphy’s impressive gloss painted images, which are mostly about urban life. They are well made and he has the ability to encapsulate a subject in a single, spare image.’
 
I am continually influenced by a of range of painters including Warhol, Katz, Richter, Hume, Caulfield, Tuymans, Opie and Margarete Dumas. Since graduating I have continued researching, developing and exhibiting new work inspired by current images, incidents, people and places (travel is a favoured hobby of ours!). I have exhibited extensively in group shows in the Cork (Ireland) region.
 
 
A Brief Statement
 
My paintings are an expression of my take on the urban condition: the pressures of life in the city. My objective is not just to highlight problems in society but to invite an engagement with its elements, its edges, stresses and dangers and our involvement with these. I employ figurative work only in a bare flat graphic style usually of people unknown to me. My concern is with images, their limitations, how images may mislead and of course manipulated. These portraits are usually close to life size, with very bright colours, no perspective and highly reflective surfaces.
 
 I apply the paint, frequently using stencils and spray cans, to present images in a contemporary idiom that I hope will evoke a questioning response. I take a jaundiced view on certitude and the dogmatic. My work is informed by a long standing interest in the news media, cinema, graffiti and fashion.


Lest we get too serious must tell you  one of my passions is travel. Below you will find some shots one in UK and a couple from China  - Ann and I sightseeing there and preparing for my new role in Warrior.