By: Ms Jheri Worldwide, Staff Writer
From engineer to eco-artist, Christopher Murphy is on a mission to transform techology trash to art. We met at the 24th Annual AFrican American Cultural Celebration. I was intrigued by an unusual artistic sculpture and had to ask a few questions. Chris explained, from circuit boards to discarded cell phones, as an artist he sees potential where others see trash. His intricate sculptures, crafted entirely from e-waste, aren’t just visually striking; they’re a powerful commentary on our relationship with technology and its environmental impact.
Christopher Murphy’s journey to becoming an eco-artist began unconventionally. Initially an engineer, art was a post-work hobby, a way to unwind and express himself through collage. A chance submission to 311 Gallery open call changed everything. “My collage got in,” he recalls, “and I decided to keep trying to make and exhibit art.”
His chosen medium – discarded technology – speaks volumes. “Electronic waste,” he explains, “is some of the most harmful trash we produce. “E-waste, composed of various metals, leaches toxins into the soil, poisoning our water and food. The problem is so severe that wealthy nations, including the United States, ship this waste overseas, attempting to displace the issue.”
Chris’s artistic process begins with a sketch, determining the form he wishes to emulate and planning the necessary structural elements. The specific tech materials come later. “I rarely have an idea of what technological materials I’ll be using before I start,” he says. “Once I have the design, I go through my supplies of all types of old tech and add what feels right until the piece is finished.” His fascination with technology scraps stems from a practical place. “I was drawn to using old technology once I got old enough to fix my own broken devices,” he shares. “Most of the things we toss out have very simple fixes, and we end up throwing away lots of money and hard work to buy something almost identical.”
Through his art, Chris hopes to amplify the message that technology waste is a rapidly growing problem, one that will have long-lasting consequences. “This stuff will haunt us for decades if we don’t do something about it,” he warns.
He also sees his work as contributing to a larger conversation about representation, particularly for Black people in the tech industry. “I think that this is such a good time for Black people in tech, both from a jobs standpoint and more importantly from a creative one,” he asserts. Inspired by Afrofuturistic visionaries like Ruth E. Carter, he believes that challenging times often fuel the Black community’s creativity, leading to powerful and resonant work.
Chris’s art aims to shift perspectives on everyday technology. By reimagining devices as “monsters, or angels, or other supernatural forms,” he encourages viewers to see their toasters and laptops as objects to be cared for, not simply replaced. This, he believes, can keep countless functioning devices out of landfills.
Creating art from unconventional materials presents its own set of challenges. Sourcing materials can be difficult, as junkyards and recycling centers aren’t always accessible. Chris relies heavily on donations from friends, family, and organizations. However, the rewards outweigh the challenges. “The most rewarding part is finishing a piece and seeing all of the separate elements come together into something that’s so much more than the sum of its parts,” he says. “Being able to go back through a work and pick out the numerous component pieces is a bit like an I Spy puzzle.”
Looking ahead, Chris Murphy aspires to showcase his work in museums and larger gallery spaces, particularly large-scale installations. His Master of Fine Arts experience at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been transformative, providing the time, space, and resources to refine his practice. He credits Sherrill Roland, a sculpture artist and professor, as a significant mentor.
For those inspired to reduce their own technology waste, Chris offers simple yet impactful advice: “One easy way to reduce tech waste is to fix our items instead of tossing them out and buying a new one. One YouTube tutorial can add months to years to the life of your devices. Don’t feel bad if you absolutely need to replace a device though, we all do eventually. Making sure it goes to a designated recycling center instead of a garbage compactor makes sure the toxic precious metals and battery chemicals inside don’t end up where they don’t belong and can hurt the environment.” Through his art and his advocacy, Chris Murphy is not just transforming trash; he’s transforming the way we think about technology and its impact on our world.
