above: Ray Caesar, Self-Examination, 2011
I always like to feature an artist whose work has a sort of Goth or macabre style around this time of year, in honor of Halloween. This year, it's digital artist Ray Caesar.
above: Ray Caesar, Pollux, 2005 and Castor, 2005
In a similar genre as fellow contemporary artists Natalie Shau, Mark Ryden Nataly (Kukula) Abramovitch, and Marion Peck, Ray Caesar's digitally created portraits feature a grotesque elegance.
above: Ray Caesar, La Chasse, 2011
Humans and animals that are part insect or arthropod and narratives that imply, illustrate or foretell disaster are executed in an illustrative and delicate manner. Below are many of his works, which are created using 3D modeling computer programs, and studies from the past few years.
Home Coming, 2011:
Home Coming, detail:
Queen on Flies, Companion:
A Familial Affectation:
Ebb Tide:
Fly Trap (study):
Eternity:
Eris:
Kitten (study):
Kitten:
Ancient Memory:
Decent:
Day Break:
Calamity:
Second Sight:
The Widow's Tea Party:
The Angel of Innocent Things:
Monday's Child:
Monday's Child, detail:
Revelation:
Impromptu:
Harvest:
Metatron (studies):
Metatron:
detail:
The Burden of Her Memory:
Side Saddle:
Wallflowers:
Sleeping (study):
His most recent work and his first solo exhibition at the Corey Helford Gallery, "A Dangerous Inclination," just opened Oct 22.
Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
T: 310-287-2340 T: 323-363-9338
Open Tuesday - Saturday, Noon to 6:00pm
Arrested Motion has a revealing interview with the artist about his works in the Corey Helford show here.
About the artist:
above image courtesy of Jonathan LeVine Gallery
Ray Caesar was born in 1958 in London. At an early age, his family moved to Toronto, Canada, where he currently resides. From 1977—80 he attended Ontario College of Art, followed by 17 years from 1980—96 working in the art & photography department of the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto, documenting disturbing cases of child abuse, surgical reconstruction, psychology, and animal research. Coupled with inspiration from surrealists Kahlo and Dali, Caesar’s experiences at the hospital continue to influence his artwork. His haunting imagery is created digitally using 3D modeling software called Maya, mastered while working in digital animation for television and film industries from 1998—2001. In 1999, Caesar received a Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Special Effects in a series. For more information about the artist, please visit www.raycaesar.com
Several of Ray's enchanting images are available as Ultrachrome prints. For prices on singles and prints, contact belinda@galleryhouse.ca
Ray Caesar's artwork, prints and books can be found and purchased at the following galleries:
Gallery House
Corey Helford Gallery
Richard Goodall Gallery
Vered Gallery
Jonathan LeVine Gallery
Dorothy Circus Gallery