Kate Murdoch

Utilising a process of distillation through photographs and watercolour pencil studies, Kate Murdoch plays with the essence in her subjects.

Inspired by the purity of nature, her abstractions find an emotion beyond visual representation. Immersion in gradual and precise layering of pigment means the paintings feel like complete worlds. In this way, her process is as vital as the result.

Kate is interested in how the natural world is formed through order and disorder,

its every aspect an interplay between these two forces. From microscopic plants to galaxies, this dance is crucial for understanding our place in the cosmos. The universe is not just an arbitrary collection of matter, but an organized and interconnected system.

Along with these ideas, Kate invites the viewer to reflect on solace within nature as our pace of life accelerates.

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) majoring in painting. Monash University 1995

Diploma of Arts (Graphic Arts) RMIT 2000

Prizes and Awards

2004
Finalist, Wyndham City Contemporary Art Prize,
Werribee, Victoria

2008
Finalist, Port Lincoln Art Prize, South Australia
Finalist, Stanthorpe Art Prize, Queensland

2009
Finalist, Williamstown Festival Contemporary Art Prize,
Newport, Victoria
Finalist, Corangamarah Art Prize, Barongarook, Victoria

2010 Finalist, Corangamarah Art Prize, Barongarook, Victoria

​Artist Residencies

2025, Skopelos Foundation for the Arts, Skopelos, Greece

Solo Exhibitions

2002

‘Versiform’ Goya Galleries, Melbourne, with Martin Hodge

Richmond Library Display Case (CAS), Richmond, Melbourne

1999

‘Reflections’ Gallery 5, St Kilda, Melbourne

1997

‘Synergy’ Royal Women’s Hospital, Carlton, Melbourne (Fringe Festival)


Group Exhibitions

2026

'Red Art Prize', Red Gallery, Fitzroy

'SikoraArts Inaugural Exhibition for Abstract & Minimal Art 2026' virtual exhibition

2025

'Beyond City Limits', MAVA Collective, The Old Auction House Gallery, Kyneton Victoria

‘FAC Open Exhibition - For Art’s Sake’ Cube 37 Gallery, Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston

‘Paths Unfold’ 26 Advantage Gallery, Highett
2024

‘Intersecting Visions’ 26 Advantage, Highett

‘Emerging Artists Summer Exhibition’ Quadrant Gallery, Hawthorn

‘Self-Ide...