New works 2012 By Ray Caesar
An Exclusive Exhibition at The Richard Goodall Gallery
28th April – 9th June 2012
Internationally acclaimed artist Ray Caesar is to exhibit an exciting collection of his work, including a selection of never before seen exclusive images from 2012, at Manchester’s Richard Goodall Gallery on High Street, Manchester throughout May.
British Born Caesar’s work, inspired by artist including Chiho Aoshima, Lucian Fread, Stephen Campbell, Otto Dix, Anslem Kiefer, Francis Bacon, Mathew Barney, Diane Arbus, is collected internationally by the likes of Madonna, Givenchy-Ricardo Ticci, and Marilyn Manson. His haunting imagery is influenced by his time working in the art & photography department of the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto where he documented disturbing cases of child abuse, surgical reconstruction, psychology, and animal research.
Caesar works in Maya (a 3D modeling software used for digital animation effects in film and game industries), using it to create his figures as well as the virtual realms in which they exist. Through the program, he builds digital models with invisible skeletons and anatomical joints that can be bent and manipulated to assume any pose. He wraps the models in rich textures, adding hair, skin, eyelashes and fingernails. Then places them in digitally lit, impeccably detailed 3D environments built with architectural layers, windows, wallpapers, curtains and furnishings. Caesar’s meticulous process incorporates elements of drawing, painting, collage and sculpture, working countless hours to achieve every remarkably intricate tableau. Further emphasizing his sculptural technique, Caesar compares his process of 2D printmaking with imagery created in 3D as being similar to the practice of capturing stills from video and film.
With full control over dressing, posing and lighting his figures as well as every element of their surroundings, Caesar’s craft is an advanced extension of a childhood obsession—playing with dolls. Fantasy, escapism, human cruelty and disguise are reoccurring themes explored within his dramatic narratives. Betraying the seemingly child-like innocence of the figures is their piercing, knowing gaze—exposing inner strength in contrast with their fragile physical appearance.
Richard Goodall comments: “Ray’s work is original and impeccable with images that imprint in your mind. This will be our third solo Caesar show, and his genius never fails to astound me. These new works, along with several pieces we have included from his hugely successful solo show in Los Angeles last year, are filled with all the intrigue, beauty and complexity we have come to expect in Ray’s art, and they continue to surprise and challenge us. He is a remarkable man and an exceptional artist”.
