Kate Murphy "The Note"

Upon entering Breen Space it was not apparent to me at all that I would be leaving overwhelmed by an existential crisis! My first impressions of the space are clean, white, sparse professional gallery. There is little hung in the main space and the room in which the projection is screened is neatly tucked away behind a swish black curtain (the predominance of my gallery experience thus far has been artist run spaces…..although they have an undeniable charm).

The projection room is of good proportion to the screen and the room was private and quiet. This means something to me as I believe when watching a video or projection it is imperative for the viewer to be able to focus without interruption. In particular for a work like the one I was about to experience.

Without having read anything relating to the work previously, after only a few moments I was able to detect the sentiment intended. I’m not sure if this was because of my personal challenges with the topic ( I have lost a friend in the same fashion recently) or if it was the sombre and engaging tone of the piece.

Although having mentioned the qualities of the tone of the work, the presentation of “The Note” was surprisingly effective. A theatre that somewhat resembled a primary school assembly hall and a woman in a puce dress with an almost melodramatic theatrical voice instantly called on memories of uncomfortable and boring ( I might go as far to say cheesy…..sorry Kate) nights spent at suburban school plays. Alas, as soon as I let the words themselves sink in to my mind I was totally and emotionally enveloped. The writer of the note being an individual delivering themes that could extend to almost anyone, the score and song representing a universally embraced vehicle for emotional projection and last but making possibly the most important statement for the artist was the faceless body of the voice and absent audience. Wandering out into the main area of the gallery bleary eyed, the almost vacant walls in the main space, inhabiting only two stills from the video, become ever so apparent.

“The Note” has stayed with me since that day and has reminded me to have patience with what may not seem so appealing on first glance. It has reminded me to look beyond the exterior and aesthetics that I may disapprove of because there could be something far more important hiding behind them.

Woah, heaps emotional hey! But, that’s the reaction I got and I think this would be a success in the eyes of the artist!