Artist Talk: Zivarna Murphy
Join artist Zivarna Murphy as she speaks about her practice and current exhibition at Humber Street Gallery, I am black because I come from the earth’s inside.
Discover more about the histories held in the work on exhibition, how Zivarna approaches making as a process of discovery, and the decisions that were made during the creation of this body of work.
About Zivarna Murphy
Dr Zivarna Murphy is an artist and researcher working intuitively across a range of materials and processes including clay, ceramic, sculptural weaving, printmaking and writing. She studied Anthropology and holds a PhD in Human Sciences.
She is interested in the human experience and combines emergent themes from her research around the social aspects of body and organ donation, namely loss, grief and transformation, with an auto-ethnographic approach exploring her own mixed-ethnicity identity and experiences of the world.
She explores these themes through material metaphors, sensorial experiences, and parallels within the landscape which surrounds her. For example, on visits to her local East Yorkshire coastline, she observes the erosion and loss of this landscape body as a metaphor for human loss. Through hand-formed tactile vessels from stoneware and porcelain, layered with eroded boulder clay and impressed shells, rocks and fossils, all gathered from this coastline, she approaches making as a process of discovery. The forms draw upon structures she sees in her local landscape such as fossilised shell bodies, ebbing cliffs and sea formed rocks.
She is interested in firing clay to ceramic as a transformative process and the becoming of the vessel body. Alternative worldbuilding is important within Zivarna’s practice, and the materials she uses imbue her work with a strong sense of place and connection.
Stay up to date with Zivarna’s work:
Accessibility
Is Humber Street Gallery wheelchair accessible?
Yes. You can access every part of the gallery without steps. The entrance is level with the street, and there’s a lift to all floors, including the rooftop.
Do you have accessible toilets?
Yes. We have one all-gender accessible toilet on the ground floor with grab rails and emergency pull cords.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Absolutely. We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other trained assistance animals throughout the building.
Do you provide large print or accessible exhibition guides?
Yes. We offer large print as standard and Dyslexia-friendly versions of exhibition texts. You can pick them up in the gallery or download them from the exhibition pages of our website.
Is there somewhere quiet I can go if I need a break?
We know the gallery can sometimes feel busy or overwhelming. Ask a member of staff and we’ll help you find a quieter space to take a moment.
Do you offer sensory-friendly experiences?
Some exhibitions include sensory content and we have regular quiet hours. We also have ear defenders available to borrow at the front desk. If you need anything specific, get in touch before your visit. You can find details of our noisy and quiet hours at the top of this page.
Is there Blue Badge parking nearby?
Yes. There are Blue Badge parking bays on Humber Street and surrounding roads, just a short distance from the gallery.
Are your events and workshops accessible?
We aim to make all events as accessible as possible. Access details vary depending on the activity, so check individual listings or contact us with any questions.
What if I have an access need that’s not listed here?
We’re happy to chat and find ways to support your visit. You can call us, email us or drop in for a conversation.
