Megan Murphy: Incarnate, 2021
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily or have sharp edges, or who need to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, your eyes have dropped out, and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand." Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit
The art of reflection takes on new meaning in these innovative mirror art pieces that blur the lines between photography, painting, and sculpture. These modern art creations begin with photographs where water obscures the landscape, creating an initial layer of abstraction.
The artist then applies a glass overlay to the photograph, etching its surface to add texture and depth. This process echoes the minimal art movement's focus on materials and process. Multiple layers of pigment, water, pencil marks, and text are meticulously applied and partially sanded away, mirroring the cyclical nature of history and memory.
Each layer represents a facet of human experience - prayers whispered, historical events, and geological data all intermingle on the canvas. As these elements are added and partially erased, they create a palimpsest that symbolizes our ever-changing perception of the world and landscape around us.
The intentional imperfections in these mirror art pieces serve as powerful metaphors for life's scars and experiences. Rather than detracting from the work, these "flaws" add depth and beauty, much like the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi celebrates imperfection.
Through this layered approach, the artist creates a visual meditation on history, landscape, and human perception. The resulting works are not mere reflections, but complex explorations of how we see and interpret the world around us. By combining elements of minimal art, modern art, and the art of reflection, these pieces challenge viewers to look beyond the surface and contemplate the layers of meaning beneath.
