John Philip Murray

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Ur

Oil on cotton 102x76cm. 2007

Ur is acknowledged as the site of the cradle of modern civilisation, also in present-day Iraq, more than ironically, it is now used as a military base and car park. Like Carthage and many other important sites, it has been conquered and re-conquered over time, but, because its present ignominy has taken place in our lifetime, it takes on a special poignancy. A row of contained heads at the bottom of the picture, suggest discrete cells of humanity inhabiting the location. Further above, a simply-described building, hints at the solid foundations placed on a rich alluvial plain. This image is surrounded by flat panels of rich creamy colour.