Sandra Murphy

As a contemporary artist with a diverse background in environmental science, photography, and design, I am driven by a deep curiosity about the intricate connections between humans, nature, and the environment. Through my artwork, I employ the powerful tools of anthropomorphism and parody to explore the lives and linkages within our ecosystem, with a particular focus on feral animals and the impacts of both feral and domestic cats. While acknowledging the cherished place that cats hold in many households, I aim to shed light on the broader ecological implications of their presence.

Using a combination of artistic mediums, such as photography, painting, and design, I seek to spark conversations and foster a greater understanding of the importance of biodiversity conservation. By highlighting the impacts of cats alongside other pressing environmental concerns, I hope to inspire a collective effort to protect and restore our planet's fragile ecosystems.

Education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Distinction): Curtin University, WA
- Diploma of Photo Imaging - AICD - Gold Coast,QLD
- Diploma of Graphic Design - South Bank Institute of TAFE, QLD
- Associate Diploma of Applied Sciences majoring in Forestry
University of Queensland, Gatton College, QLD
- Certificate in Children’s Book Illustration - South Bank Institute of TAFE, QLD

Solo Exhibitions

2023 - June - Solo Exhibition: Ferals, Flora and Fauna,
The Fragmented Environment, 1770–2023
M2 Gallery - Surry Hills NSW

Group Exhibitions
2022 - June - Joint Exhibition: An Exhibition of Colour - Avalon Art Gallery Sydney NSW
2018 - July - Maranoa River Arts Project - Joint Exhibition Showcasing Work from 3 day Art Immersion Camp Mitchell at 22 Mile Creek, exhibition (NAIDOC Week) Mitchell Shire Hall Qld
2018 - May - Joint exhibition Our Country our Life, Community Art show - Injune, Qld
2018 - Feb - Joint exhibition Easter Art Show - Roma Qld

Prizes & Awards
2023 -Sept - Finalist Hornsby Art Prize
2022 - Sept - Finalist in Ku-ring-gai’s Sculpture Trail - Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, NSW.
2018 - Curator’s Award ‘Kamp Kultur’ -100th Anniversary of the closure of German Internment Camp, Trial Bay Sculpture in the Gaol, South West Rocks, NSW
2018 - June - Finalist in Stanthorpe Art Prize - Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery,QLD
2015 - July - Finalist in Olive Cotton Photographic Portraiture, Tweed Heads Art Gallery, NSW
2015 - July - Finalist in Mosman Art Prize - Mosman Art Gallery, NSW
2015 - Aug - Finalist in Australian Life Photography Exhibition and Prize, City of Sydney NSW

Residency
2016 - UNSW Fowler’s ...