Abstract

Artist and Iris Murdoch enthusiast, Kevin Petrie will reflect on how reading Murdoch has inspired his recent artwork. Petrie’s previous practice focused on drawing from life. This recording of experience through looking might be seen as a form of ‘attention’. These images of attention were also captured and fixed through printmaking methods in glass and ceramics. Recently, Petrie has shifted away from observational art and glass and ceramics to more imaginative approaches.

Firstly, this visual presentation will introduce the earlier practice. Petrie will then outline the development of his ‘Murdoch project’ with reference to his 2023 exhibition ‘Other Journeys’. This will build on his reflection in ‘The Iris Murdoch Review’ No.14 by discussing and showing pieces not illustrated within that text. This will be extended by discussion of new work using the printmaking methods of etching and lithography to be shown at the Murdoch Archive at Kingston in September 2024. This new work is investigating some of the creative possibilities of printmaking. For example, pieces inspired by the novel ‘Bruno’s Dream’ explore images of a recumbent ‘Bruno-like’ figure with various combinations and collaged additions. The exhibition will offer examples of inspiration from Murdoch on creative practice with the aspiration that the artwork may in turn ‘activate’ and illuminate aspects of the archive. Examples, will be given in the presentation of the proposed juxtaposition of Petrie’s prints with letters, objects, books and other artworks belonging to Iris.

This evolving project offers a model of creative practice that draws on literature and a related academic community. This emergent creative strategy includes: reading Murdoch’s novels in order; sketchbook drawing to visualise aspects of the books; development and combining of images through drawing, painting, and printmaking; engagement with the Murdoch community/literature/archive as tools to review and reconsider the possible meanings and directions of artworks.