The Selkie
series continues
Murphy’s long-running theme of “otherness” by referencing the Selkie myth of
beings that are part seal, part women, who can become trapped on land if their
coat is stolen. There are many versions of the myths, some ending with the
women choosing to stay on land with their families despite the heart-wrenching
loss of the sea, with others given no choice but to stay, as without their coat
they are unable to return to their seal form. Murphy’s photographs document an
“unknowing”. Even with no knowledge of the Selkie Myth, the woman appears out
of place, her elegant coat incongruous for the cliff-side setting. Why is she
there? What is she going to do? The sea looks ominous and there is a sense of
foreboding.
This series has been exhibition in Moxie Studios, Dublin 2014 and Dunamaise Arts Centre 2017. Works from the series are held in private collections in Ireland and the UK and are also available as a book.
This series has been exhibition in Moxie Studios, Dublin 2014 and Dunamaise Arts Centre 2017. Works from the series are held in private collections in Ireland and the UK and are also available as a book.
Selkie (Book)