BIO

Andrew Gray is a painter and designer continuing his practices in Baltimore, Maryland. After receiving his BFA in Fine Arts and working two years in the professional field of design he now maintains a career as a gallery artist with representation by Band of Vices Art Gallery. His paintings promote a sense of prosperity contradicting the common societal narratives of black people shown in our community. Initially, his ideas take form through many drafts of digital collages and become a visual foundation for the actual paintings to develop. Andrew highlights a diverse range of black characters to exemplify his ethnicity not as a monolith but instead a community of complex human beings.

Artist Statement 

I am a 21st-century painter and visual storyteller committed to challenging prevailing societal narratives surrounding black individuals within our community. Through my recent exhibition at the Band of Vices Art Gallery in Los Angeles, I aim to celebrate the diverse humanity of African American figures often overlooked in mainstream depictions. My subjects range from art collectors and museum security guards to police officers and everyday individuals, prompting contemplation on their experiences and navigation through the complexities of American society.

Rather than perpetuating stereotypes, my mission is to showcase the rich tapestry of black identity, emphasizing its complexity and depth. My paintings strive to elevate characters frequently marginalized by society, positioning their narratives at the forefront of the canvas. This intentional spotlight challenges the notion that they are exceptions to modernity, asserting their place as exemplars of contemporary life.

My academic background in fine art and graphic design significantly influences my artistic process. I begin by crafting digital collages, refining my ideas before translating them into tangible paintings. The fusion of techniques from both disciplines has shaped a cohesive visual language that defines my work. While my primary focus is on the contemporary Black figure, my exploration extends to the color schemes of 1960s abstract expressionism and various artistic influences.

In essence, my aesthetic practice is a responsive dialogue with the cultural, sociopolitical, historical, and economic dimensions of the present moment. By producing, discussing, exchanging, and displaying my work, I contribute to a broader conversation about representation, identity, and the power of art to challenge and reshape collective narratives.