"Finding Beauty in Everything I See:" Art of Dr. Gopal Murti

June 1-July 1. On view in the Grand Hallway.

“My art is eclectic in terms of style, subject, medium, and substrate. Consequently, my solo art show often looks like a multiple-artist exhibit. I am triggered into painting by many factors. The sudden bloom of flowers following a cold winter spell, or the cacophony of Canadian geese in the playground next door, or the spectacular formations of birds in the Memphis sky, or the global events like war in Ukraine, or the celestial event like a unique solar eclipse in the sky—all motivate me to paint. I sincerely hope you enjoy my show as much as I did producing it.”

“I started out as a scientist but ended up as an artist. I worked as a scientist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for over 33 years. As a scientist, I worked with sophisticated imaging technology using lasers, microprocessors, and microscopes to study the architecture of molecules, viruses, bacteria, cells, and tissues. I produced a number of powerful images which are used in medical and biology text books, displayed in visual media, and garnered national and international awards including the prestigious Nikon International Small World Competition. When I retired in 2008, I wanted to add another dimension to my scientific vision by becoming an artist. I learned watercolor painting from the renowned Tennessee artist, Fred Rawlinson. In the last four years, I experimented with other media but settled on acrylic. I am a member of Memphis-Germantown Art League (MGAL), Artists’ Link, and Gibson County Visual Arts Association. Since 2011, I entered 70+ local and national juried art shows, and received 30+ awards including “Best of Show” awards. The MGAL elected me as their President (2012-2014) and honored me with their highly selective Spectrum award for creative enthusiasm. I am a Platinum Star Artist of MGAL. I held solo shows at Tennessee Art Commission (Nashville), Memphis Botanic Garden, CBU Ross Gallery, Kroc Center, WKNO studio, Church Health Center, and Harrell Theater (Collierville). I designed the 2020 Christmas greeting card for the Church Health Center. I donate most of the sales proceeds from this show to Church Health Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and local food banks.”