VIVIENNE MURCHISON – Fluid Dynamics – 15 July-8 Aug 2025

Central to Ōtautahi based artist Vivienne Murchison’s practise is her synaesthetic experience of colour. To exploit this subjective experience she offers the opportunity to experience colour as she does – as energy – each colour a unique vibration in constant motion. Her research has evolved into a practice which exploits the luminous quality of watercolour with single washes of carefully considered pigments – offering a visual expansion which alludes to the notion that everything material however small, has an element of consciousness.

The concept of alchemy – highlighted through colour, tone, depth, light and transparency – underpins Murchison’s art practice, where subtle materiality of watercolour pigment is acknowledged in the choice of heavy-weight textured paper. Washes in motion, pigments stilled. An openness prevails, and the feeling of ever-expanding spaces – momentarily at least – stopped short, confined only by the paper edge. Although Murchison initiates each exploration, more important is her willingness to consent to compositions that form themselves, boldly claiming the results as ‘universal truths.’ – Grant Banbury

Ōtautahi Christchuch based artist Vivienne Murchison studied painting at The Ilam School of Fine Arts, gaining a BFA(Hons) in 2018 and an MFA with Distinction in 2019. Since then she has exhibited regularly at PG gallery192, notably in her solo exhibition Go Beyond (2020) and in the curated group exhibition Coast (2024).

 

ARTIST TALK
Join us on Saturday 26 July at 11am to hear Vivienne Murchison speak about her exhibition