During the 1980s, Murray completely breaks free of the traditionally flat rectilinear compositions introducing shape and three-dimensionality. Muddied, moody, and gestural, the paintings of this decade set her on a course of international recognition and notoriety. Graffiti and use of spray paint enhance upon signature themes of interiors, tables, coffee cups, and shoes. Marries the poet Bob Holman (’82). Daughter Sophie is born (’82). Daughter Daisy is born (’85). Pulls her first print with ULAE (’86), a relationship that would last decades. Purchases a farm in Granville, NY, where she maintains a summer studio (’87).

Solo exhibitions include Galerie Mukai, Japan (’80); Susanne Hilberry (’80); Paula Cooper Gallery, New York (’81, ’83, ’84, ’87, ’89). Group exhibitions include: Five Painters in New York, Whitney Museum of American Art (’84), An International Survey of Recent Paintings and Sculpture, The Museum of Modern Art, New York (’84). First retrospective exhibition opens at Dallas Museum of Art (’87), which travels to the Albert and Vera List Visual Arts Center, MIT, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, Des Moines Art Center, The Walker Art Center, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.