Charles Ray: Volume III

Charles Ray: Volume III is a catalog of the third installment of rotating exhibitions of American sculptor Charles Ray's work at Glenstone Museum, featuring four works ranging in material from concrete and steel to handmade paper. It includes documentation of the exhibition, an original essay by the artist, a contribution from art historian Anna Lovatt, and an introduction by Emily Rales.

Format: Hardback
Length: 50 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2023
Publisher: Glenstone Foundation

American sculptor Charles Ray's (born 1953) diverse sculptural practice has long challenged perceptions of scale, material, and subject matter, necessitating multiple viewings over time. Charles Ray: Volume III is part of an ongoing series of publications commemorating rotating exhibitions of the artist's work at Glenstone Museum, the third of which opened in the winter of 2021. Organized in close collaboration with the artist, the selections showcase Rays practice from early in his career to the present day, with four works ranging in material from concrete and steel to handmade paper used to realize a recent self-portrait, Return to the One (2020). This catalog includes documentation of the exhibition at Glenstone, an original essay by the artist, a contribution from art historian Anna Lovatt, and an introduction by Emily Rales, cofounder and director of Glenstone Museum.

Charles Ray's sculptural practice is a testament to his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. From his early works that explored the concept of scale to his more recent self-portraits that challenge traditional notions of material and form, Ray has consistently challenged viewers to reexamine their perceptions of art.

In Charles Ray: Volume III, the artist presents a selection of his most recent works, each of which showcases his unique approach to sculpture. The exhibition at Glenstone Museum, which features four of Ray's works, provides a comprehensive overview of his career, from his early experiments with concrete and steel to his more recent exploration of handmade paper and other unconventional materials.

One of the standout works in the exhibition is "Return to the One," a recent self-portrait that Ray created using handmade paper. The portrait is a haunting and introspective portrayal of the artist, capturing his essence in a series of delicate folds and textures. Ray's use of handmade paper adds a layer of complexity and depth to the work, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that is rare in sculpture.

Another notable work in the exhibition is "The Disappearing Man," a large-scale sculpture that explores the concept of disappearance and absence. The sculpture consists of a series of interconnected pieces that are arranged in a way that creates a sense of movement and fluidity. Ray's use of color and texture in the work creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, leaving viewers to interpret the meaning behind the sculpture.

Throughout his career, Charles Ray has collaborated with a wide range of artists and institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.

In addition to the exhibition at Glenstone Museum, Charles Ray: Volume III includes an original essay by the artist, a contribution from art historian Anna Lovatt, and an introduction by Emily Rales, cofounder and director of Glenstone Museum. The essay provides a deeper understanding of Ray's artistic process and his influences, while the contribution from Lovatt offers a critical analysis of his work. The introduction provides a context for the exhibition and highlights the significance of Ray's sculptural practice in contemporary art.

Overall, Charles Ray: Volume III is a stunning exhibition that showcases the diverse and innovative sculptural practice of one of America's most celebrated artists. The exhibition at Glenstone Museum provides a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of Ray's artistic vision and the impact that his work has had on the art world. Whether you are a seasoned art collector or a newcomer to the world of sculpture, this exhibition is not to be missed.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 300 x 254 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780999802984