Mask Hysteria
New Works by Murray Archibald


June 3 to June 30, 2023
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 4 to 6 p.m. 

In June you will have a unique opportunity to be among the first to see new art that has been created by much-loved Murray Archibald. CAMP Rehoboth is truly honored to host this latest thought-provoking solo exhibition Mask Hysteria. All are invited to attend the Opening Reception on June 3, from 4 pm until 6 pm. You can view and discuss the art with Murray, and congratulate him personally on his newest series of art. 

Murray used the era of the pandemic to experiment and evolve his art. “The world is a mess,” he says. “Somehow, we must learn how to live together, to respect and celebrate our diversity. To thrive, we have to grow—we have to change, and the idea of change can be terrifying.” A change for him is that he has “gotten more abstract, just sort of looking at the pieces from the inside instead of the outside.” 

Mask Hysteria addresses several themes. In a time when masks were standard attire, the first small paintings focused only on the eyes. All we could see in those early days were the eyes, and half the face remained hidden from view. As the George Floyd protests spread around the world, his work expanded to become an exploration of all that is hidden from view—the story hidden from history because of racism, homophobia, political propaganda, and fear of all that is different. These artworks are part of the LOCKDOWN 2020 Series. 

The second theme, the InterACTION Series, explores relationships—with each other and with the world around us—and the viral nature of life and communication in the social media age. One of Murray’s foundational themes continues to resonate in his new work, that of the heart. His HeartSCAPE Series is filled with stories composed of transparent images and patterns. The heart of each “story” emerges from a chaotic and textured background.  

It is fitting that Murray’s 21st solo exhibition will be held at CAMP Rehoboth with the reception in the light-filled space that he designed and that bears his name, the Elkins-Archibald Atrium.  Murray is an artist, and he is also the co-founder (along with longtime CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director, co-founder, and husband Steve Elkins) of CAMP Rehoboth.  He has served the organization in many ways since its creation in 1991. From 1993-2018 he was President of the Board of Directors of CAMP Rehoboth. He served as Creative Director, and following Steve’s death, as Editor-in-Chief of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, and Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth. It is a result of Murray’s vision that support of artists and the arts has been part of CAMP Rehoboth’s purpose since its founding.  

Do not miss seeing this new collection. Those who attend the June 3 reception will have the first opportunity to view the art and perhaps add a new Murray Archibald to their collection.