The act of making and design is central to Murphy’s work, whether through making his own or curating that of others and supporting their practices. As an artist Murphy’s conceptual approach is grounded in creating a dialogue with our surroundings and each other.
Using familiar objects and themes to depict and examine our culture, he seeks to alter the original context of his subjects so they appear simultaneously familiar and unfamiliar, to encourage and stimulate a sense of questioning and search for meaning from the viewer.

Banished from city centres and branded a nuisance, pigeons will become a familiar sight at the Walker Art Gallery during the 2012 Biennial, when around 150 brightly coloured birds adorned the exterior of the gallery.

Belonging elevates the very familiar site of pigeons from their everyday urban context; here they are welcome, colourful visitors. However the installation also evokes questions about ownership and feelings of being accepted or marginalised. Anthropomorphised, the pigeons can be seen to represent any group that struggles to find a natural home or sense of acceptance in a physical or geographical space.