The Gallery: John Murphy

John Murphy is one of those rare artists who pays as much attention to the frame as the work inside. It's probably safe to say that the frames make these artworks, which are very much about objecthood...

Based in a studio in Philadelphia, Murphy makes limited-edition photographs on a small scale, then pairs them with a decorative frame that he finishes with spray enamel. The candy color of each frame is carefully chosen to compliment the artwork inside. Pieces are $150 each.

Still Life from the series Seeing is Believing

Still Life 2 from the series That Way the Feeling Never Ends

You Being Here Changes Everything

Still Life from the series That Way the Feeling Never Ends

Still Life 3 from the series Seeing is Believing

Still Life 2 from the series Seeing is Believing

To see more of John Murphy's artwork, click here.

Comments (7)

I'd love to know where the frames come from. They look like cheap plastic novelty frames from around the 1950's--like something that might have been buried at the bottom of a junk-drawer in my grandma's house. Something too cheap and tacky to actually use, but just a little to charming in spite of itself to actually throw away.

I mean, the artist's work here is very nice, but man I'm coveting those picture frames.

I bought a very similar frame at Disney World (yes, really...) a few weeks ago - mine is hot pink and it was $12. Here's a picture:

http://renovationtherapy.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/for-the-love-of-all-things-hot-pink/

It's good fun, imho.

ooh, I have three similar frames that I bought at homegoods (extremely inexpensively) and painted cool pop art colors. Love it!

Simply lovely, what great colors. Thanks for showing these.

Does anyone know of an online retailer that sells similar (affordable frames)?

look at these

http://www.elizabethsembellishments.com/store/product.php?productid=18467

Thanks Apt Tx for the mention and for everyoneâ€™s kind comments.
I purchase my frames direct from a number of different manufacturers (the small ones are cast resin and the larger ones made of wood) and finish all of them with a spray enamel and heat process. The prints are archival and mounted on acid free board. For you DIYâ€™ers out there, its always important to install spacers in frames to keep your artwork away from the glass and use a museum quality glass to filter harmful UV rays (retail frames wonâ€™t come with any of this, but you can consult your local framer).