murphy created the first portrait of barack obama in 2007 as soon as his campaign launched. during the 2008 u.s. presidential election michael murphy was inspired by the "hope" and potential for "change" obama campaigned on and the "hope that change is really possible". murphy's wire portrait of obama received critical acclaim and was featured in "time" magazine's december 2008 issue. in 2012 "time" magazine commissioned murphy to create a portrait of barack obama for their person of the year issue. he worked with a variety of mediums ranging from nails to high-tension wire, pastels, and even cardboard. "several pieces use directional light and shadows to create images. these works seem to change form depending on the line of sight, making them interactive for viewers." michael was commissioned to create three pieces for manifest hope, art shows featuring artists who "used their talents to motivate the grassroots movement that carried barack obama to victory."