The ARX unveiled a monumental installation entitled Dreams matter by artist Brendan Murphy. Commissioned by The ARX, the 19-foot-tall sculpture is the final site-specific piece in Murphy’s iconic “Boonji Spaceman” series. Standing as the tallest sculpture of its kind in the UK, the larger-than-life sculpture can be found in the ARX Knightsbridge Atrium Gallery.

A product of a year round collaboration between Murphy and The ARX, the one-of-a-kind piece is a testament to the innovative work that The ARX is committed to promoting. Featuring an astronaut stepping forward through uncharted territory, Dreams matter sums up Murphy’s fascination with fear of the unknown and the way we reject or accept it. Reinforced by a skeletonized steel core, the towering sculpture features a carbon fiber exterior adorned with Murphy’s exclusive chrome finish and signature formulas that represent the shared abstract experience of processing emotions.

We managed to sit down with Brendan to ask him questions about his Boonji Spaceman series, his broader art practice, and his plans for the future.

Can you tell us more about your “Boonji Spaceman” series, which made you want to create a 19ft Spaceman?
I had a great experience setting up a large 20ft Boonji The Spaceman in Antigua, although this endeavor was also difficult, the impact of a large sculpture, especially using the techniques we use, was really exaggerated.
It’s not often that an artist gets the chance to literally change the landscape of an island or city, but I think the Great Astronaut’s Spirit complements any place you place it and changes it. effectively aesthetics, it’s really exciting. I have always been a fan of Cristos doors for example

How many Boonji physical astronauts are there?
There is currently only one other 19ft Large Spaceman in the world, but I know we have concrete plans to install at least three more in 2022.

How do you get the shine on the Spaceman’s spacesuit?
The genesis of the discovery of this technique was due to the fact that I was fed up with typical sculptures in bronze or marble and wanted to be able to do something more dynamic that could also live outside. The technique itself was created by a partner of mine and it’s an eight-layer silver-based technique that takes two weeks to apply. What’s really great about this technique is that I can make almost everything look like metal, which allows me to work with very light materials, especially to scale, while still maintaining that heaviness. of steel or aluminum.

When did Arx contact you to get their own Boonji Spaceman?
Ron Shamesh, a director of the lux group contacted me, Ron is actually a big collector and he was very interested in purchasing the coin not knowing exactly where it would be living in May 2021. Ron quickly realized that it would have the more impact in the middle of London at the Arx gallery.
The real story is that Ron actually built the space to accommodate the astronaut, they created an atrium and raised the ceilings so the astronaut could fit in.

Will the Boonji Spaceman conquer the Metaverse?
I’m not sure conquering is the word I would use to define Boonji is positive energy derived from creativity. I would like to think that the astronaut himself will give off a high level of positive energy for everyone who visits and if is to overcome the negativities and give people a more positive outlook as we go along so yes I thinks he will win.

Murphy’s awe-inspiring otherworldly piece is part of ARX’s contemporary art collection housed in its luxury multisensory space including Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Banksy, KAWS, Warhol, Harland Miller, among a growing list emerging international artists represented such as Louis Carreon, Brian Sanchez, Bisco Smith and Will Solomon. Hosting a dynamic mix of exhibitions and quickly gaining a reputation for embracing the ‘phygital’ art world, the ARX offers the ultimate immersive experience for art lovers and collectors to discover the talents that lead the conversation. cultural today.

You can see Dreams matter by Brendan Murphy with the artist’s other works at ARX Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment

About the artist
Brendan Murphy is a widely recognized contemporary artist whose work is featured in over 600 private collections. The universal appeal of his works pushes the walls of creativity beyond the limits of the canvas by exploring sculptural works, conceptual pieces, a wide range of rare materials and producing his art with non-traditional methods. Brendan currently works from his studio in Miami, Florida, and is represented in galleries in the United States, Canada, Germany, Colombia, England and Monaco. BrendanMurphy.com

About ARX
Founded in 2021, The ARX is a 15,000 square foot visionary space gallery located in the heart of Knightsbridge, London. Spread over four expansive floors, the gallery space hosts a diverse international program of dynamic and multisensory solo and collaborative exhibitions by promising and highly acclaimed contemporary artists. Having emerged as one of the leading luxury platforms in international contemporary art, ARX is dedicated to representing a list of selected artists – both emerging and globally revered. From pioneers of the NFT movement to emerging sculptors and premier painters, the gallery has become synonymous with a showcase of inimitable talent from around the world. TheARX.com.

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Marc Westall

Mark Westall is the founder and editor-in-chief of FAD magazine Founder and co-editor of Art of Conversation and founder of the @worldoffad platform