Mabon

Jonathan Michael Ray (b. 1984)
Jonathan Michael Ray’s ‘mono no aware’
artworks examine the multilayered
histories, fictions and beliefs assigned
to artefacts, materials and the places he
encounters. A practice comprising of
stained glass, photography, sculpture,
print, drawing, video and installation,
much of his work is deeply connected to
his surroundings. He regularly uses found
objects and images imbued with their
own histories, as well as material direct
from the landscape, appropriating their
symbolism while creating a new context
and meaning. By layering and combining
material, he is interested in looking beyond
the surface of a purely physical existence
and breaking down the institutions by
which we are taught to see and experience
the world. His work alludes to the sublime
power that inanimate material and objects
can contain when we give them space, time
and authority to do so.
Jonathan Michael Ray was born in High
Wycombe, UK and has been based in
West Cornwall since 2018. He studied at
Nottingham Trent in 2007 and at Slade
School of Fine Art in 2016. Earlier this year
Ray was selected to take part in Masterclass
at Zabludowicz Collection, London, he
and Verity Birt organised “Gathering” a
group exhibition at Grays Wharf, Penryn,
and has been shortlisted for the National
Sculpture Prize which is currently on show
at Broomhill Estate in Devon. His work will
be subject of a two person presentation
with Willeminha Barnes Graham at Tate St
Ives in 2022.
‘Sylvan Crop 1 & 2’
photogram, gelatine silver print on resin-coated paper, 38 x 31 cm
74