Un cœur / A heart by James Murnane

James Murnane
Un cœur / A heart, 2017
Acrylic on engraved Japanese Magnolia
30 × 20cm

This work was exhibited as part of Hidden present hearts - Les cœurs cachés et présents, Église Saint-Bruno les Chartreux, 56 rue Pierre Dupont, Lyon, France, 13 September - 7 October, 2017. Documentation of the exhibition can be seen here

The focus of James Murnane’s art practice is in re-engaging ancient sacred spaces in an attempt to rediscover their relevance, as well as imbuing ordinary places with a sense of the sacred. It is abstract, non-representational art that he utilises to act as a key, a universal language that does not necessarily need to be understood, but rather to be felt. This accessibility aides a re-opening of the communication lines between the secular and the sacred. In 2016, Murnane’s installation Ever ancient, ever new took place upon the bare ruins of a 13th century church in Oslo, Norway. In 2015 he undertook a residency at La Fragua, based in a 15th century convent in rural Andalucia, Spain, utilising the opportunity to encounter the sacred art, architecture and festivals of the country. He has exhibited in Australia since 2010.