RIYADH: Renowned American contemporary artist Brendan Murphy unveiled his masterpiece “Frozen with Desire” — a sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds set in platinum — at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh on Sunday.
Several of his sculptures will be on display at the hotel’s Cafe Boulud for one month. It is his second show in the Kingdom after an exhibition in November at Ahlam Gallery.
Murphy describes “Frozen with Desire” as an extension of his “Boonji Spaceman” series, symbolizing the courage to embrace the unknown rather than merely representing space travel.
“Who is inside the astronaut suit? What are they thinking? That’s what fascinates me,” Murphy told Arab News. “It’s about stepping into the unknown, just like an artist does with every new creation.”
“Frozen with Desire: 42 spaceman” - 6,200 diamonds and 517 carats set in platinum (Supplied)
The sculpture is a feat of artistic and technical precision. “Artists always try to do things that seem impossible. That’s part of the creative process,” Murphy explained.
Murphy’s exhibition was accompanied by a cheese-tasting session led by Philippe Caillouet, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France-award recipient, and director of cheese marketing at the high-end hotel.
Caillouet captivated attendees with fascinating stories about cheese-making traditions, adding cultural and culinary dimensions to the evening.
The unveiling of “Frozen with Desire,” was followed by a sumptuous dinner, making the night an unforgettable fusion of art, fine dining, and storytelling.
Beyond the exhibition, Murphy sees Saudi Arabia as a vital part of his artistic journey. He said the Kingdom was experiencing a cultural renaissance but challenges remain.
A striking pink and gold Spaceman sculpture embodying Murphy’s belief in the power of positivity and human connection. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
“There’s a real hunger for creativity here,” Murphy said. “But many young artists lack access to the best materials and formal education. My goal is to help bridge that gap.”
He highlighted the need for a balanced artistic approach and the use of a wide range of mediums and genres. “Digital art is great, but what about painting and sculpture? Those require more time, resources, and mastery,” he said.
Murphy is committed to long-term collaborations in the Kingdom, revealing plans for public art installations at the new Riyadh airport and Expo 2030. His most ambitious project is the launch of a 1,000 sq. meter immersive art space in Riyadh later this year.
“I’m not just here for one exhibition — I want to create a permanent experience, a space where people can engage with my art every day, whether I’m here or not,” he said.
