The Art of Joy with Grace Julian Murthy

When viewing the work of Malden artist, Grace Julian Murthy, there is a sense of unbridled happiness that leaps from the canvas. This makes her LIMELight feature collection at The Gallery @57, The Art of Joy all the more fitting.

Perceptive from a young age, Murthy grew up noticing the little moments of beauty that surrounded her daily. She’s carried her mother’s advice throughout her work, “Everyone and everything is beautiful, you just have to look for the beauty.” With this mindset, her point of view lends itself well to the Pop Art that she focuses on. Drawing from a variety of influences, the environment of New England meets her familial background in the Caribbean to reflect her original perspective.

In college, Murthy attended Boston University and majored in Graphic Design. These lessons are infused into everything she does, as she explains, “I think about marketing. I think about the breath of it so that everything has this artistic quality to it.” Every detail is carefully curated for her viewer to gain complete immersion in her work. As the digital age of art took the world by storm, she refocused on her studies, earning a Masters of Arts in Graphic Design.

A walking testament to noticing the little things, Murthy reflects her influences from Andy Warhol, who saw art in soup cans, and Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts and recognized for his line work. Her dedication to detail has served her well, such as with her business cards. They have her different pieces on the back, which fans of her work have started collecting, turning simple business cards into interactive art.

Grace Julian Murthy’s Pop Art comes to life in The Art of Joy, a collection tailored to stopping and smelling the roses, or fruit, or coffee. With colorful paintings, larger than life sized popcorn, and character to spare, Grace Julian Murthy will bring a smile to your face, which is exactly what she aims to do.

The Art of Joy event will be held on Friday May 3rd at The Gallery @57 from 6:00-8:00 PM.