Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy/Artist Bio

Originally from San Francisco, California, I endeavored on a career path in architecture earning my degree from the University of New Mexico, and continued in the profession for twenty years. Upon moving back to California from London in 2008 in the throes of an economic recession, I continued my burgeoning artistic path and continued ever since, coupling my understanding of architecture with the artistic freedom to interpret works into a way that I don’t believe had ever been considered.
These works began selling in retail environments in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs, and their success allowed me to further develop ideas and grow as an artist, culminating with a large scale mural installation in Terminal 4 LAX this winter.
My career in architecture taught me many things including logistics, planning, technical acuity, while my artistic devotion brought about work being in SFMOMA, The DeYoung Museum, Palm Springs Art and Architecture Center, and a wonderful commission by Mrs Carol Burnett. I continue on a daily basis producing new work and see no end in sight for any of this which is highly rewarding.

BA Arcthitecture
University of New Mexico

2026
EXHIBITIONS
Studio Gallery, San Francisco, “City Streets” Group Show
OCCCA, Orange County, “Immigrant Diaspora In The USA”, Group Show
2025
EXHIBITIONS
Studio Gallery, San Francisco, “For the Birds” Group Show
Gallery 30 South, Pasadena, “Foundations,” Solo Show
Avenue12 Gallery, San Francisco, “Michael Murphy 2015-2025, Solo Show
Cruise Control Contemporary, Cambria, “Summer Brake,” Group Show
2024
EXHIBITIONS
Studio Gallery, San Francisco, “Wonderland” Group Show
Mirus Gallery, San Francisco, “City Streets,” Group Show
Studio Gallery, San Francisco, “Tiny,” Group Show
2023
EXHIBITIONS
Studio Gallery, San Francisco, “Tiny,” Group Show
Napa Valley Museum, “Tiki Dreams,” Yountville, Group Show
2022
EXHIBITIONS
Shockboxx Gallery, Hermosa Beach, “Intergalactic Open” Group Show
Mirus Gallery, San Francisco, “Skate,” Group Show
Studio Gallery, San Francisco, “Tiny,” Group Show
2021
EXHIBITIONS
Gallery 30 South, Pasadena, “Coaster Show,” Group Show
SFMOMA Members Gallery, San Francisco
Studio Gallery, San Francisco, “Tiny,” Group Show
2020
EXHIBITIONS
The de Young Museum, San Francisco, “The de Young Open,” Group Show
SFMOMA Members Gallery, San Francisco
Gallery 30 South, Pasadena, “Form:Isolation,” Solo Show
La Luz de Jesus Galler...