Each card presents a unique restrictive rule that encourages artists to explore their own identity, and process, through the lens of choices and rules they may not naturally place on themselves. The cards have been designed specifically to not impact choices on colour, structure, or medium – unless colour, structure, or medium is the sole focus for the prompt. Artists are to expect unexpected outcomes for their work under these boundaries. 

 

Prompts such as “Use erasure as a tool for creation”, and “Heavy back, light front” serve as catalysts for innovation in personal practice, prompting artists and creatives to re-think and transform their approach. 

 

Zoe R. Murphy created these prompts based on the rules she wrote herself when developing new paintings and wanted to share them as an accessible tool for all artists who are interested in enhancing their confidence in their styles of work. 

 

An exhibition in August will feature 20 emerging artists of a variety of mediums and styles, all responding to one or more Restrictive Prompts. It will demonstrate the infinitely different outcomes that a variety of artists can end up creating, and further demonstrate the usefulness of the tool itself.