Saturday, September 21

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Chimaera Gallery

3502 Scotts Lane #2113  

Philadelphia, PA 19129 

More event details to come, here is the press release for the exhibition:

Philadelphia, PA — Chimaera Gallery is pleased to announce, Gradients of Growth, a solo exhibition by Deirdre Murphy, will be on view from September 6 to October 28, 2024. The gallery invites art enthusiasts and the public to the opening reception on Saturday, September 14, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, as well as a closing reception and artist talk on Saturday, October 26.  (More events will be announced on the Chimaera website throughout the run of the exhibition).

Gradients of Growth delves into the impact of the Anthropocene climate on tree cavity-nesting birds and East Coast pollinator species through Murphy’s abstract paintings and monoprints. The exhibition emphasizes ecological hope and the potential for environmental healing, offering a unique perspective on the resilience of nature in the face of climate change.

Visitors to Gradients of Growth will have the opportunity to witness how art can serve as a powerful tool for ecological awareness and action. Tree cavity-nesting birds and pollinators are vital to maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. These species are not only indicators of environmental health but also crucial contributors to biodiversity. As climate change accelerates, their survival becomes increasingly precarious, making it more important than ever to understand and protect them. Murphy’s work invites viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of life on Earth and to consider their role in preserving it. This exhibition is a call to action, encouraging all who attend to reflect on the importance of ecological stewardship in the face of our planet’s changing climate.

Murphy’s new series of paintings presents abstracted portal views of natural scenes, inspired by nest cavities discovered during her residency at the Lower Merion Conservancy. Her explorations in Rolling Hill Park have led to these vibrant and thought-provoking works, which capture the essence of these natural sanctuaries.

Complementing the paintings, Murphy’s print series, titled Contemporary Herbarium, draws from the Lehigh University Trembley Herbarium collection. These monoprints provide a hyperlocal view of East Coast pollinator species, highlighting their critical role in sustaining migratory birds even as temperatures rise. Through these works, Murphy’s studio practice embodies the ecology of hope, focusing on collective efforts to heal and repair our warming planet.

This exhibition has been made possible through the generous support of Lehigh University’s CORE grant.

Exhibition Details: 

Dates: September 6 – October 28, 2024  

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 14, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM  

Closing Reception: Saturday, October 26  

Gallery Hours: Saturdays 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and by appointment

For more information, please visit Chimaeragallery.com or contact the gallery at [email protected].