Tanya Murphy Dodd: PHOTOGRAPHY, MIXED MEDIA & PRINTMAKING

CHANGING TO A NEW BLOG SITE

2011-02-05T03:03:00.000-08:00

http://murphyfineart.blogspot.com/

Hello Everyone,
I have moved all updates to a new blogspot location called 'MURPHY FINE ART'. There I will continue to bring you current events and preiviews of my latest artworks in mixed media, photography, printmaking and painting. To check in, simply click on the link, and in the future please remember to go to murphyfineart.blogspot.com/.
Thank you and see you over there!
Warm Regards,
Tanya Murphy

NEW ARTWORK INCLUDED IN SURFACE POLITICS GROUP SHOW

2010-11-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

EMBRACING LIGHT, 2010, 18" h x 24" w, photo based mixed media on wood

CHECK OUT THE TWO SHOW REVIEWS BELOW:

NOVEMER 1, 2010
http://theartblog.org/2010/11/more-than-meets-the-eye/

More than meets the eye by Edward Epstein

NOVEMBER 23, 2010

http://citypaper.net/articles/2010/11/24/salon-joose-surface-politics

Favorite Things by Robin Rice

A Private Collectors Wish

2010-08-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

STEMMING BLACK AND FORTH:

A CHANGE IS GONNA COME FROM AFRICA TO THE WHITE HOUSE

photography & mixed media on wood,

24'h x 80"w

STEMMING BLACK AND FORTH: A CHANGE IS GONNA COME FROM AFRICA TO THE WHITE HOUSE can be described as a photo-based, collage-relief painting. After a year of research and planning, the artwork is the brainchild and creation of multi-media visual artist, Tanya Murphy Dodd, and private collector, William Robinson. The imagery embarks on a formidable visual journey to tell a story of an African American historical journey. Many historical passages were not included within the final artwork but they were definitely acknowledged in planning and valued as experiences by Africans in the Diaspora. They were not presented within this particular, humble, creative, inspiration for the sake of artistic freedom and composition.

The artwork exists within two connected panels of wood measuring eighty inches long and twenty-four inches high. Both the left and right panels are joined together to present one continuous timeline. The story begins in the upper left corner with the queens of Egypt, and several camel-backed noblemen riding across a desert. The collage carvings move us back and forth, up and down toward a progression of everyday African villagers, and warriors. Viewers are also directed side-to-side in the historical timeline. Three central African men are shown chained, and captured. They stand waiting in front of the 'Doorway of No Return'. Their presence is intended to symbolize a nation of individuals who are taken away and displaced from the mother continent across the Middle Passage. Slave cargo ships, like the Amistad, are prominently presented traveling back and forth across routes of foreign waters and shores. I imagined a vision of countless Africans who were ripped apart from their roots, thrown overboard, starved in transition or surviving only to become woven into a fiber of abrupt and punishing inhumane humiliation and torture during an international slave culture. Central in the artwork, at the joining of both panels, is America’s embrace of the slave culture. Featured here, are a storefront slave block, and human sale promotional literature. The American story continues across the 1860’s timeline with a subtle-under-stated, layer of text taken from the Emancipation Proclamation.

Slave descendants: Sojourner Truth, Harriett Tubman, and Frederick Douglas along with several Black Union soldiers surface above and around the proclamation text along with a formidable President Abraham Lincoln. A plantation landscape emerges below; a courageous run-away Slave, and Underground Railroad Conductor, Harriett Tubman, is portrayed in a featured relief carving. She is bravely carrying gun artillery in her arms, and forging forward escorting another individual to unknown freedoms.

Contemporary 20th century male heroes such as W.E.B. Dubois, Booker T. Washington and Marcus Garvey all appear after the trailblazing Ms. Tubman. The right side of the artwork embarks upon several major events leading up to 2009. Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights Movement, exploring 1954-65, were essential. I touch upon Jim Crow atrocities: lynching, church burnings, school segregation, and America’s continued struggle to grow in peace, freedom and to accept activism for freedom and justice of all sorts. I felt it obviously important to include familiar figures such as Rosa Parks, M.L.K., Malcolm X, and Muhammad Ali, but just as important, for me, was the inclusion of lesser-known African American activist like Paul Robeson. I find his quotes, and active outreach toward personal freedoms particularly irresistible. I included a portion of a speech by Paul Robeson in the artwork just left facing the White House.

Black and Forth: A Change is Gonna Come……. portrays an obvious interplay of black political figures within American history. One legend piggybacks another in a side-to-side progression. The White House in particular is framed at both sides with figures Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powel who seem to hold up the steadfast structure. I however, chose to portray the 2009 political leader, Barack Obama as encroaching across the guidelines and timelines of former Whitehouse African American political leaders. He is engaging the artwork across several timelines from approximately 1968 until 2009. He leans over and touches outreaching hands at the Capital building and approaches Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress (1968) and the first black woman to run for president of the United States (1972). Barack Obama is presented un-systematically within the artwork, in a wide range of side-to-side movement. He is a symbol of change in direction to the viewer. He specifically walks into the painting from seemingly nowhere and is a reflection of a widening system in America.

Overall, the artwork seeks to express an important interplay between all historical eras, from background to foreground and from to side-to-side. The vast timelines shown span from Egyptian royalty, to Africa’s civil unrest, foreign exchange, the Middle Passage encompassing intercontinental slavery and finally America’s ever present growing pains. The artwork exploits a hurtful, young America but it also highlights an American healing process. The character of African strength, leadership and prowess surely rises up again in this story, which was important. African American heroes and heroines are honored with respect to challenging the ideology of a Civil War President, to launching a Civil Rights Movement, to forging generations of political evolution across a changing world. There are always events that we want to forget but cannot, and others we elate in for changing America and the world for the better. "Hope for the future", is America’s latest claim, it may only be for a season. Certainly, America’s election of its first African American President will keep collective memories and stories of all kinds moving Black and Forth.

----------- Tanya Murphy Dodd, 2010

Brandywine Residency - June 2010

2010-08-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

PANEL DISCUSSION (August 7th)

New Narratives and Reinterpretations

Review by Anne Bouie

http://www.brandywineworkshop.com/e-newsletter.html

THE CREATION PROCESS:

THE COMBINATION OF IMAGES INCORPORATE THREE-FOUR LAYERS OF MYLAR DRAWINGS AND COLLAGED DIGITAL IMAGERY OF SOLDIERS OF THE CIVIL WAR.

I USED THE ARCHIVAL INK JET PRINTER TO PRINT OUT THE TEXT OF AN OLD WAR PROMOTIONAL POSTER CALLING SOLDIERS TO ARMS. SHOWN HERE BELOW IS A SMALL SECTION OF THE TEXT FROM THE INFAMOUS POSTER.

THE THREE FIGURES SHOWN SEPARATED BELOW HERE WERE PIVITAL IN THE CREATION OF THE THEME FOR MEN OF COLOR TO PASSAGE. SYMBOLIC FOR FIGURES OF SLAVES IN RAGS WHO WENT ON TO BECOME SOLDIERS IN DRESS UNIFORM OR WENT ON TO PASSAGE INTO THE AFTERLIFE.

MEN OF COLOR TO ARMS IN PROGRESS. FOUR LAYERS OF MYLAR DRAWINGS AND DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGERY OF HOUSES IN THE BACKGROUND. THE HOUSES ARE ACTUAL DOCUMENTED PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE HISTORICAL TRAINING GROUND FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN SOLDIERS, CAMP WILLIAM PENN, WHICH IS LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE OF PHILADELPHIA IN LAMOTT, PA.

THE FINAL IMAGES:

THE DIPTYCH: "MEN OF COLOR TO LIBERTY', 14"h x 40"w

LIMITED EDITION OF 10

THIS STORY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN SOLDIERS OF THE UNION ARMY WAS ALWAYS INTENDED TO BE TWO FOLD...BEFORE AND AFTER THE TRANSITION INTO AMERICAN SERVICE. THE IDEA OF SHOWING THE TWO IMAGES AS A DIPTYCH HAPPENED NATURALLY AFTER THE CONCEPT OF THE SPRAWLING WHITE PICKET FENCE DEVELOPED.

"MEN OF COLOR TO PASSAGE", 14"h x 20"w

LIMITED EDITION OF 46

"MEN OF COLOR TO ARMS", 14"h x 20w",

LIMITED EDITION OF 46

All artworks are signed by Tanya Murphy Dodd and sealed with the Brandywine Workshop authenticity.

February 27th, 2010: Last Week at Widener

2010-02-24T03:13:00.001-08:00

Philadelphia Inquirer Press: January 29, 2010

2010-02-22T03:35:00.000-08:00

African heritage show

Tanya Murphy Dodd's 84-piece exhibit, "Private Visions: Shadows of a Journey 2010," at Widener University is directed toward rediscovery of the African heritage, the depiction of the black experience in America.

A Philadelphian, Dodd goes about this quest by reaching into her family's past in rural South Carolina, and trying to reconnect with a disappearing legacy. The painter/photographer takes up the subject with an eye to blending together photography and painting techniques. (And she gives the advantage here, I'd say, to painting.)

Dodd intends to freight this mixed-media approach with as much meaning as it can take in subjects ranging from figures near dilapidated houses, old barns, passing shadowy figures, fields ripe for harvest, "one-room" churches, vestiges of a Southern plantation and references to ancestors, to the slave-ship era.

Her most effective technique among several is to place cutout relief figures onto the surface of the environmental photos she takes. She then uses acrylic paint and polymers to join the past with the present, generally keeping things shadowy.

Such an approach seems to represent the steady, unhedging voice of reason in assembling historic pictures. But beyond that, this handsome, rather mystical, yet modest work is presented like enduring footnotes that reinforce today's increasingly lively discourse about African American heritage.

By Victoria Donohoe

For The Inquirer

See Related link: Philly Inquirer

Widener Exhibit, PRIVATE VISIONS:Shadows of A Journey, 2010

2009-12-23T04:10:00.000-08:00

EXHIBITION PREVIEW

Title: Plantation Times: Young Brick Makers, 12h x 18w, photography & mixed media on wood.

Here is an overview of the upcoming Widener show. This artistic journey, PRIVATE VISIONS is new and more organic. I take photography from behind the glass and present images on wood and board sealed in varnish. Shadows of a Journey continues to be my personal term for discovery through my art and my life. Once again, I went to South Carolina in December of 2008, and in May of 2009. I took lots of wonderful photographic images with my digital and also the pinhole box camera. These images will accompany the art on display at Widener; they will be presented in continuous slide show.

Most noteworthy in my southern journey in May 2009, was my visit to Charles-town, the original name for Charleston, SC. The city is so full of American history; I will be going back. I visited a slave plantation which is maintained and located just outside of the city of Charleston. The energy and visuals were great there. I still get chills today when I think about the overall fingerprint of the massive plantation grounds, as well as the actual fingerprints of the children brick makers who left imprints in the brick work that they created. Look for these photographs! Above is one of the mixed media pieces which was inspired by my visit to the plantation. Enjoy! and come on out to the show to see more.

Tanya M.

Show Invites & Press Announcements

2009-12-19T23:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

It is that time of the year, HAPPY HOLIDAY'S! I wish everyone a safe and wonderful season to reflect on the past and move forward with positive energy. I am working hard at preparing the final touches to my two upcoming exhibits in Boston, MA and in Chester, PA. I hope to see all of my friends at one or both of the exhibits.

Art in City Hall: "In My Dreams" Exhibit

2009-06-03T02:51:00.000-07:00

"The Right Track" (left) photograph & mixed media by T.Murphy-Dodd will be included in the group show, "In My Dreams" during the Art In City Hall Summer exhibit, June 11th, thru September 11th, 2009.

Opening Reception: June 11th, 5-7pm, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA

Tanya Murphy Dodd Included in Detroit Exhibition with Icons of African American Art.

2009-04-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

COLLECTOR'S CHOICE features paintings and works on paper by Jide Aje, Christopher Batten, Camille Ann Brewer, Elizabeth Catlett, Gail Shaw Clemons, David Driskell, Reginald Gammon, Sam Gilliam, Gregory Johnson, Samella Lewis, Allie McGhee, Eileen Montero, Evangeline Montgomery, Tanya Murphy Dodd, Jocelyn Rainey, Bill Sanders, Gilda Snowden, Asha Walidah, Cheryl Warrick, Raymond Wells, Shirley Woodson.

See Tanya Murphy Dodd's photography/mixed media images, "Farming Family" (top) and "The Bather II", (bottom) on Youtube, Exhibition video posted in related links: NCA Collector's Choice 2009.

Art4Barter NYC 3-14-09

2009-03-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

I have to say that this idea to barter my art has been very rewarding. It is not an alternative to the larger fact as artists and professionals, we all need cash. So far, my success with the Art4barter venture reads like this; I met a fine lawyer who traded his services to an electrician who in turn traded his barter and services to me in exchange for my art bartered by the lawyer. I am getting some much needed new track lights put in at my gallery/studio to replace the horrible fluorescent fixtures. In addition, I continue to expose my work, and meet many professionals who were interested in my art that I may not have otherwise connected. Thanks Antonio. Here are a few pictures from the NYC exhibit. Check out the BBC interview with Antonio at the NYC show. Click on 'Art4barter BBC'; see its link listed in related links.

Gourds

2009-03-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

Environmental Photography - South Carolina

2009-03-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

Art4Barter at SoHa Gallery, Haddon, NJ

2009-02-26T05:27:00.000-08:00

"Just Around The Bend", 2/20

Archival Pigment Print from the Southern Connections series was

a successful and fun barter between myself and Haddon Township Commisoner,

Paul Dougherty ESQ., at the SoHa Gallery event. Thanks to Curator, Antonio Puri and everyone involved for an enjoyable night. Click on Related Links, Courier-Post (art4barter 2-25-09) for more details.

Interview with Corynne Corbett

2009-02-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

Live Community Call

Click in Related Links:

The Black Girl Radio Show, http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/36405

Host Corynne Corbett chats with Tanya Murphy Dodd and Sharony Green about their art and what it is like to be a sister trying to offer a unique visual perspective of the world.

Join Me for Art4Barter at SoHa Gallery

2009-02-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

This is Art4Barter!

Participating Artists: Ellissa Collier, Vinod Dave, Erica Brown, Alexis Duque, Theodore A. Harris, Quentin Morris, Donald Camp, David Stephens, Walter Edmunds, Lauren McBride, Rachel Robbins, Ed Hughes, Laura Williams Chassot, Brian Cote, Paul Santoleri, Pam Farrell, Leeza Meksin, Celestine Wilson Hughes, and Tanya Murphy Dodd.

Art4Barter at SoHa Gallery
1001 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township, NJ 08107
856 854 0200, By Appointment

ARTIFACTS - STILL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES

2009-01-29T15:44:00.000-08:00

CONTINUING THE SOUTHERN CONNECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES - On Location once again in South Carolina, December 2008

2009-01-29T14:31:00.000-08:00

Congrats OBAMA!

2009-01-29T14:20:00.000-08:00

A GREAT GIFT IDEA

2008-12-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

Available for purchase: 40 pages of photography and mixed media: Southern Connections by Tanya Murphy Dodd. A collection of haunting images which convey her personal journey into the American south to explore the universal realities of human transition and times past. Enjoy dramatic tonal contrast, textures, and some mixed media.

Price: $28.00 (soft back) $40.00 (hard back)

Book is available for preview @ blurb.com (see RELATED LINKS)

TRIBUNE PRESS ARTICLE

2008-12-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Press image to enlarge or see Tribune article under RELATED LINKS

Thanks Bobbi!

CREATING ACCESS RECEPTION, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2008

2008-12-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

OPENING RECEPTION PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 6TH, 2008

2008-11-08T07:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who attended the opening.

Tanya

2008-11-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Southern Connections 2007

2008-11-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

SHADOWS OF A JOURNEY 2008

2008-11-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

SHADOWS OF A JOURNEY 2008

2008-10-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

SOUTHERN CONNECTIONS 2007

2008-10-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

2008-10-22T07:20:00.001-07:00