BEYOND/WITHIN
Joy Ray & Samuelle Richardson
September 2019 • Launch LA, Los Angeles CA
PRESS
LA Weekly: Art Pick: Joy Ray and Samuelle Richardson: Beyond/Within
Art and Cake: Avian Hieroglyphics: Joy Ray and Samuelle Richardson at Launch LA
Riot Material: Samuelle Richardson and Joy Ray in Beyond/Within
LA Weekly: Ready, Steady, Art!
Artillery: Starting Off With a Bang
Diversions LA: Joy Ray: There’s a Darkness on the Edge of Light
ARTIST STATEMENT
I’m kind of obsessed with the end of the world. Everything seems precarious right now, and I find myself thinking: what if it all goes sideways?
In my new body of work, “Post-Apocalyptic Petroglyphs,” I merge paint and textiles to create what I think of as mysterious artifacts from the end (or maybe the rebirth) of civilization. Using highly-textured materials such as wool, plaster and sand, I explore how visual communication might be used in dire circumstances: to covertly signal others, to communicate with the gods (casting spells), to document cryptic histories. I’m fascinated by mysteries: secret societies, lost languages, magic, ancient ruins. Recent volcanic eruptions near my home on the Big Island of Hawaii were a reminder of the power of unseen forces.
When it comes to perception and belief, what is real vs imagined? What comes from Beyond, and what comes from Within? Just because something isn’t visible, doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Joy Ray, September 2019