Notes from the Gallery

June 2022

Gallery sells Warhol and Picasso | New Gallery Artists | Reopening Celebration Recap | Upcoming Corporate Collection | Gallery Artist Updates | Framing Project Highlight | Art World News

"Gina" by Andy Warhol

"La Plongeuse" by Pablo Picasso

Michael Murphy Gallery sells Never-Before-Seen Original Warhol Drawing and Unique Picasso

We are excited to announce that we just sold an original, never-before seen drawing by pop art legend Andy Warhol. "Gina" is one of nine unique drawings of females created by Andy Warhol in the 50's, with similar works valued at $20,000 - $250,000.


"Gina" was sold prior to its planned showing alongside its sisters in the upcoming Masterpiece London, one of the most prestigious art fairs in the world. All artwork in the fair must go through an extreme vetting process to determine its authenticity. "Gina"'s vetting process took nearly two years. It has a detailed provenance and has been authenticated by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. 


We also were able to provide a client with a drypoint etching by Pablo Picasso titled "La Plongeuse (The Diver)." Created in 1932, it came from an edition of 100 favored by collectors; unlike the vast vast majority of Picasso's prints, each of the works in the edition is unique (same composition, different colorway). 


We are proud to be able to acquire and offer high-level works of art for our clients upon request. Contact Michael Murphy at 813-902-1414 or [email protected] for more information on our services.

Art World News

Our selection of news from the international art world:
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On Eve Of Art Basel, Top Art Advisors Say the Market Has Gone ‘Haywire’

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Billionaire Victor Pinchuck to Sell $12.6 M. Koons Sculpture to Fund Medical Aid to Ukrainian Soldiers

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Report: Nearly Half of U.S. Museums Place Main Focus on 4% of Modern and Contemporary Artists

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‘Very Lively, Very Punchy’: A Leonardo da Vinci Expert on Salvador Dalí’s ARTnews Essay About the Artist

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Minor Literature: Kafka's Drawings

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Collector Alleges That Marilyn Monroe Dress Worn by Kim Kardashian Is ‘Hanging on By Threads’

Introducing our 

NEW GALLERY ARTISTS


We sat down with new gallery artists Flavio Galvan, Luis Garcia Nerey and Hal Schwarze to see what makes them tick! Click on the links below each artist to read their full interviews.

Luis Garcia Nerey

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Luis now lives and works out of Miami, Florida. His work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami, the University of Miami, the Hunter Museum of American Art, and the Museo de Arte de Caguas MUAC (Caguas Museum of Art).


Q: What memorable responses have you had to your work?


A: Early on in my career, a family that had bought one of paintings told me my painting hung in their dining room. Every day during breakfast they would talk about it with their kids and it presented great conversations between them. They loved it and thanked me because it bonded them as a family. It made me realize the presence my art can have in people’s everyday lives.


Read the full interview here!

Flavio Galvan

During his formative years of work in his native Argentina, Flavio exhibited his paintings in numerous museums and galleries. He then opened Galvan Art Gallery where he exhibited and sold his art until he immigrated to the United States where he currently resides.


Q: What are you currently working on?

 

A: I am currently working on a new abstract landscape series using folded paper, hemp and modeling pastes, incorporating colors and textures in the nature that surrounds me. I feel that I integrate with these works - I take part in the flow of energy that is generated by applying thick layers of material with a spatula and also with my own hands.


Read the full interview here!

Hal Schwarze

Hal Schwarze attended the portfolio center for design in Atlanta, Georgia. He focused on the illustration program and then gravitated after school to fine art painting. He immediately began taking his works out on the streets of Atlanta and garnered a following. Throughout the years he has sold hundreds of works both nationally and internationally. 


Q: Why do you make art?


A: I make art because it is who I am. In psychological terms, everything can be traced to childhood. The household I grew up in was fraught with drama, pains and struggles, and there were dark times. By living outdoors, surfing and skateboarding, and losing myself in comic books, I found a world to escape into. Images and narratives and stories and dramas could be more easily dealt with in a two-dimensional plane. My father was a construction worker who built things with his hands. I was enamored by artists building stories with their hands and minds. My art does not resemble these works, but they shaped and formed my visionary acumen.


Read the full interview here!

Reopening Celebration Recap



Thank you to everyone who joined us at the gallery on Friday, May 27th to celebrate our reopening after the gallery renovations! Our gallery team outdid themselves with a beautifully arranged exhibit. Attendees were served champagne upon arrival to sip and enjoy as they experienced our new artists, new art, and great new look.


The reopening exhibit is still on display, so stop by the gallery anytime during our business hours to get the same experience (though we might not have champagne immediately on hand). We're open Tuesday - Friday from 11 am - 6pm and Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm. Entry is always free!

View Event Photos & Artwork

Coming Up: Corporate Collection Reveal


A corporate collection two years in the making. We cannot wait to announce this special collaboration between Michael Murphy Gallery and an exciting corporate client. Stay tuned for our big reveal!


Michael Murphy Gallery knows that a key piece of art can transform a space. We have functioned as art curators and design consultants in the most beautiful corporate spaces of Tampa Bay.

Learn More About Our Corporate Services

Gallery Artist Updates

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Terri Dilling


Terri Dilling is excited to announce that one of her pieces was selected for the Metro Montage exhibition at Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Metro Montage is the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art’s annual juried exhibition featuring all types of genre, medium, style, subject matter, concept, and technique in art from across the country. Metro Montage XXII features works of fine art by contemporary artists that showcase the diversity and skill within our nation’s culture. 

Browse Terri's art


Eleanor Blair


Florida landscape artist Eleanor Blair enjoyed participating in the Santa Fe Springs Plein Air Paint Out this spring! Twenty-one artists set up their easels and painted outside for three days, visiting Rum Island Springs County Park, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and O'Leno State Park. Following the plein air sessions, there was a reception at a gallery in downtown High Springs. The event was open to the public so people could enjoy watching Eleanor and the other artists paint at three beautiful locations!

Browse Eleanor's art


Salvador Dali


Salvador Dalí Enters The Metaverse With an Immersive Art Exhibition:


"On September 20, a digital art exhibition of the Spanish plastic artist Salvador Dalí will open in Barcelona, Spain. The expo, called “DALÍ CIBERNÈTIC” or “Cyber Dali for the English speaking audience,” will use the metaverse to display more than 200 of the artist’s works.


According to the Spanish media outlet El Periodico, visitors will be able to enjoy an immersive experience using virtual reality glasses, entering a metaverse where they will be able to create their own avatars to walk freely inside the paintings."

Read full article


John Douglas


John Douglas is excited to finally reveal a project from this past winter: he painted Nicko McBrain's gong for Iron Maiden's current Legacy of the Beast World Tour 2022!


John says about this project: "Its an honor to paint for such a legendary band and drummer. And to recreate such an icon as Eddie on a beautiful 50” Paiste Symphonic gong was a thrill!!!"

Browse John's art

From the Framing Desk:

Project Highlight



This month we're highlighting a beautiful framing project that recently left our framing desk! When we saw our client's designer Hermés scarf, we knew it was a work of art - that should be preserved as such! Master framer Michael Murphy chose an elegant handmade white matte lacquer frame with a bevel - one of his favorites. The luxurious 12k white gold outer lip beautifully accents the entire piece. The final result: magnifique! Beautiful on the outside and completely archival on the inside. No damage to the textile, no permanent mounting, no acidic materials and U.V. inhibiting glazing  that will protect this artwork for our client for many years.

Learn More About Our Framing Services
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