Opening Reception: July 25th, 7:00 - 9:00
Runs through August 22nd
Birdland, 706 Mountford Ave. Raleigh, NC
The exhibition 'PRÆY' references the ideas of both 'prey' and 'prayer' in reference to our bodies, autonomy, and fetishization. The word and work combines the violence and reverence of our bodies as they exist in the world. The motif of birds of prey and altar pieces highlight the juxtaposition of bodies as sexualized versus embodied. It explores desire and control through nakedness and asks the audience, "where is the line between fetishization and awe?."
The paintings surrounding the artist's burial reflect differently abled bodies as sacred icons. The paintings of bodies with dwarfism reclaim the emotional landscape of disabled existence through intimacy, vulnerability, and reverence- PRAY -while the center of the gallery holds "the inevitable" of our bodies final form - PREY. The push and pull of concealment (like the bodies submerged in soil) and exposure (paintings of naked bodies being exalted) suggests sexuality and autonomy as something innate to us all as a part of nature.
Throughout PRÆY, the body is upheld as something to be desired and revered. It challenges who or what is granted autonomy over a body and how systems of power and shape the ways in which we present ourselves. Here, vulnerability and sanctity coexist. Hunted and holy. Earthbound and exalted.
The exhibition runs until August 22. We will be sharing hours for the sound parties, artists panel, and workshop throughout the shows run. Doors open at 7 pm on the 25th! Paintings, sculptures, and prints will be for sale throughout August!
Parking is available on the street for free. Carpooling or biking is always encouraged. There are no steps to enter Birdland but there is a (slightly sloped and bumpy in parts) parking lot. Please reach out with any accessibility needs. jeangray@vaeraleigh.org