July 5 – 30, 2017

Reception with the Artist
Thursday, July 13, 6 to 8 pm

Youngblood Art Studio is pleased to present, I STAND WITH HER, a series of post-election paintings by Charlottesville, VA artist Mary Michaela Murray. Twelve paintings embody the female forms of liberty, justice, and freedom, found in classic sculptures and monuments around the world. The series was created by the artist’s desire to engage, question and ultimately proclaim her support for these nearly universal principles. In turn, the viewer reflects on these concepts and what meaning they give to personal and national beliefs

Murray writes, “Around the world, stand mighty women—Lady Liberty, Lady Justice, Freedom—honoring these universal philosophies held dear by all humanity. Through my paintings, I aim to shine a light on the ideals that have mapped the course of cultures throughout history.”

Using her characteristic bold strokes and colorful palette, Murray found inspiration in different sculptors’ interpretations in the statues of New York, Washington, London, Budapest, Mexico City, Beijing, Barcelona, and St. Maarten. From the smallest of the paintings, titled, I Stand with Her, Murray created a poster for the Women’s March. After being inundated with requests for copies through social media, Murray sold hundreds of posters to folks all across the country. The proceeds were donated to the International Rescue Committee of Charlottesville.

Murray typically spends time in her Charlottesville studio recapturing “humble moments that cause her to linger.” When painting a still life, a market or a field, Murray is inspired by the light and color that surrounds her. This new series is a departure from her paintings of everyday people, places and things as they now take on new meaning. Yet, the magical beauty of color and intriguing play of pattern continue to guide her brush strokes.

For more information and images, please contact:
Dianne Beal, 202-957-1401 or youngbloodartstudio@gmail.com

Hours: Saturdays, noon – 5 pm and by appointment

Mary Michaela Murray, The Lightness of Liberty, 2017, oil on canvas, 60 x 36 inches
Mary Michaela Murray, Emancipation, 2017, oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches
Mary Michaela Murray, Angel of Independence, 2017, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches
Mary Michaela Murray, Like a Mighty Stream, 2017, oil on canvas, 36 x 42 inches
Mary Michaela Murray, Uprising, 2017, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches
Mary Michaela Murray, Mother of Exiles, 2017, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches
Mary Michaela Murray, Nevertheless, She Persisted, 2017, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches
Mary Michaela Murray, Freedom, 2017, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches
Mary Michaela Murray, Goddess of Democracy, 2017, oil on canvas, 60 x 36 inches
Mary Michaela Murray, Liberation, oil on canvas, 2017, 36 x 22 inches
Mary Michaela Murray, I Stand with Her, 2017, oil on panel, 12 x 12 inches, NFS


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The Plains, Virginia 20198
(540) 270-0402

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