James Austin Murray
James Austin Murray, Serious Moonlight, 2021
Oil on panel, 60 x 60 in.
James Austin Murray’s Serious Moonlight (2021) is a captivating exploration of light, depth, and movement within the constraints of a monochromatic black palette. The circular oil painting radiates a hypnotic texture, with swirling brushstrokes that create an illusion of rippling waves and subtle luminescence. As light hits the surface, the oil reflects varying shades of black, transforming the work into a dynamic visual experience that shifts with the viewer’s perspective. Murray’s mastery of gesture and control over oil paint highlights his ability to create atmospheric tension and meditative calm simultaneously. Inspired by the metaphysical properties of light and shadow, Serious Moonlight invites viewers to contemplate themes of infinity, the void, and the passage of time. The circular composition suggests cosmic energy or the orbit of celestial bodies, adding a symbolic layer to the piece’s tactile allure. Perfect for collectors of minimalism and abstract expressionism, this painting exemplifies Murray’s unique contribution to contemporary monochrome painting.
MURR00031
ames Austin Murray’s Serious Moonlight (2021) is a meditative exploration of monochromatic abstraction, embodying both simplicity and complexity through its dynamic use of oil on panel. The circular composition features meticulously layered black oil paint, creating swirling, rippling patterns that evoke a sense of movement and depth. The texture, achieved through Murray’s gestural brushstrokes, interacts with ambient light, revealing subtle tonal variations and highlighting the artist’s ability to make black a multidimensional color.
This painting draws inspiration from cosmic and atmospheric phenomena, suggested by the circular form reminiscent of celestial orbits and the reflective interplay of light and shadow. As the viewer shifts position, the surface seems to pulse, transforming from stillness to dynamic motion—a signature effect in Murray’s work. The title Serious Moonlight references both the lunar glow and the enigmatic nature of light captured in the dark.
Murray’s work is rooted in the minimalist tradition, yet it pushes boundaries by infusing his black-on-black compositions with emotional resonance, creating a contemplative space where simplicity and complexity coexist.
Notable Features:
- Monochromatic Depth: Murray transforms black into a full spectrum of light and shadow through reflective textures and tonal variations.
- Circular Composition: The round format creates symbolic references to infinity, the universe, and cyclical movement.
- Dynamic Surface: The rippling texture interacts with light, making the artwork change as the viewer’s perspective shifts.
- Abstract Minimalism: Ideal for collectors of minimalist, monochromatic, or abstract art, Serious Moonlight reflects Murray’s contribution to contemporary painting.
Artist Bio:
James Austin Murray is a New York-based contemporary painter known for his black-on-black abstract works that explore the subtle interplay of light, texture, and movement. A former firefighter, Murray’s work channels themes of intensity, transformation, and meditative focus. His paintings have been exhibited in major galleries and collected by institutions and private collectors around the world.
