The Murray Show at Gallery 1313

Installation view of the Murray show at Gallery 1313. Photo: Phil Anderson

What is unusual about the exhibition currently running at Gallery 1313 is that it isn’t about the 46 artists participating, but rather it celebrates the life of the subject of all the artworks on display, namely the veteran artists’ model Murray McKay. McKay recently passed away at age 79 years. He had been a regular life model at many venues in and around Toronto, including OCAD, Toronto School of Art and many art clubs, for several decades. Growing up in Minetonnis, Manitoba, McKay studied theology in Winnipeg, before leading an itinerant lifestyle that took him variously to Toronto, Vancouver and St John, Nfld. Eventually he settled more or less permanently in Toronto. By all accounts, as well a having a penchant for wandering he was a free spirit involved in theatre and music. 

The poster of the exhibition

So modelling for artists was a natural vocation for Murray, as his many friends and associates simply referred to him as. What struck the countless artists and art students he posed for over the years was his professionalism. Both students and teachers alike noticed how attentive he was to their needs in terms of knowing how to pose, for how long and what anatomical details would be of interest to them. And anatomically speaking he was an ideal model – lithe in movement, slim and naturally athletic, so the students were able to learn a great deal about muscular and skeletal details looking at him. In turn he looked at them. As internationally renowned artist Evan Penny, who has several sculptures in the show, remarks: ‘Ever present and aware of the activities around him, I was often left feeling that I was the one being observed’.

Installation view of the Murray show with Evan Penny, White Murray, hydro stone, 52 inches (centre)

It is of course not a facetious remark that the show is not about the artists, but the subject of the artworks. The irony is that most of the artworks are the product of life drawing sessions, so they are largely viewed as a means to an end, rather than anything particularly deserving contemplation and attention in their own right. Who the model is, therefore, is usually incidental. Sometimes he did pose for professional artistic production such as Penny’s sculptures and Kagan McLeod’s graphic novel. But in general Murray’s modelling work was far more pedestrian, and so it is notable how nonetheless he took his own work very seriously. The ‘consummate professional’ as many describe him.

Kagan McLeod, Excerpt from ‘Tentmaster’, Graphic Novel

This fact is a reminder of how crucial attitude is with respect to so much of what we do. Especially in the arts it is always very challenging to be taken seriously. Taking one’s own work seriously, therefore, is vital. When something is done seriously, with care and attention, and competence, it is at least reciprocally amenable to due consideration. It seems to me that the artists who worked with Murray recognised and appreciated his seriousness. Even if the artworks he most often saw being produced around him were likely destined for a dusty cupboard or the waste bin, he understood the importance of their endeavours. He respected them. And they in turn respected him.

Installation view of the Murray show at Gallery 1313

It is fitting, therefore, that the venue for this show should be Gallery 1313. This gallery has lasted over twenty fives years because of the dedication and selfless service of countless number of people and the community at large, who have in various ways supported it. It too is testament to doing things seriously, understanding that that is what matters in the end. This show is truly a community effort, done purely out of respect for one of its treasured members. Murray’s departure is clearly felt by very many. Celebrating his life offers them an opportunity to acknowledge one another as well as Murray.

Works by Paul McCusker (top and bottom left) and Helen McCuster (bottom right)

There are so many works on display that they must be hung salon style. Over all the effect is of a sea of life drawings that can inundate you. Nonetheless there are some gems amongst them. A few sympathetic portraits are a highlight, for example, Kevin Bae’s drawing “Portrait of Murray”.

Kevin Bae, Portrait of Murray, mixed media on paper, 24 x 18 inches

Also, some of the life drawings have a finished quality that impresses. For example, Chris Landreth’s “Murray” and Peter Campbell’s “King of Models On an Imaginary Throne”. Particularly striking is an array of terracotta studies of Murray’s bust by Evan Penny, artfully mounted on a wall next to his imposing sculpture of Murray in stone. These studies were done shortly before Murray’s death, which gives them a poignancy, of course. I was also struck by Tom Campbell’s little oil studies, especially the one of his profile.

Peter Campbell, King of Models on an Imaginary Throne, Conte on paper, 18 x 24 inches

Chris Landreth, Murray, charcoal and pastel on paper, 18 x 24 inches

There are many more modest but beautiful renditions of this much loved model. Murray has been described as a gentleman, a muse and an inspiration. And as Donna Metcalf notes, ‘He was a wonder and will be greatly missed’.

Text and photo: Hugh Alcock

*Exhibition information: Murray /Group show, organized by George Traini, March 5 – 16, 2025, Gallery 1313, 1313 Queen Street West, Toronto. Gallery hours: Wed – Sat 1 – 5 pm, Sun 1 – 4 pm.