American contemporary artist Brendan Murphy unveiled his solo exhibition titled “Complete Control” at Ahlam Gallery in Riyadh on November 7, 2024. This event marks the final stop of a global tour that began in June 2024 at Fineart Oslo.
The exhibition features a variety of Murphy’s renowned Spaceman sculptures, including a particular highlight on his limited-edition collectible series Magication. The series reflects his unique ability to blend abstract concepts with physical sculptures, inviting the viewer to engage with the artistic moment.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Murphy explained that his main objective for the exhibition is to draw visitors “into the moment.” He also expressed a deep connection with Saudi Arabia’s growing creative scene, saying, “I feel a creative cultural resonance here. The people have shown an appetite for creative works.” His vision extends beyond the current exhibition, as he aims to stay involved in Saudi Arabia’s artistic renaissance. “This show is not a one-shot deal,” he stated. “I want to be part of this renaissance for the next five to 10 years, at least. I want to lead it if I can.”
Murphy, known for his colorful abstract paintings and his Spaceman sculptures, explores themes such as beauty, power, and the human experience. His fascination with space began in childhood, watching astronauts and space shuttle launches, which eventually translated into one of his core artistic themes.
“My spacemen have little to do with space travel,” Murphy explained. “They epitomize embracing the unknown — taking that step — more than somebody that literally is flying into darkness.”
His Spacemen sculptures are available in a variety of sizes, from small, collectible figures to large-scale public art installations. Notable works include a 13-foot Spaceman displayed at Houston’s Minute Maid Park and a 22-foot figure in Oslo.
Before pursuing art, Murphy had a different life as a professional basketball player in Europe and a Wall Street trader. “I didn’t make a full pivot into accepting that I was a creative person until I was maybe 29,” he reflected. Today, he stands as one of the most financially successful contemporary artists, renowned for his innovative approach to art.
In 2021, Murphy launched The Boonji Project, a collection of his artwork as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which broke records as the largest primary NFT sale in history, raising $15.5 million. His works have attracted the attention of global collectors, including tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, and business magnate Warren Buffett.
Murphy draws inspiration from artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jackson Pollock, both known for their expressive use of color. Murphy’s art seeks to encourage the viewer to connect with their emotions and embrace the unknown. “I love color as a means of communicating a feeling,” he said. “When I make something and I get it right, my work creates energy, and that’s pretty cool.”
Known for pushing boundaries, Murphy integrates non-traditional methods and rare materials like chrome and diamonds into his creations. A prime example is his sculpture Frozen With Desire, a diamond-encrusted astronaut priced at $25 million.
“As an artist, you have to be uncomfortable all the time,” Murphy stated. “Find comfort in what you can control, then break it and go where you have no idea what you’re doing.”