Diamonds & Rust @ 30works

Diamonds & Rust

Can images be eloquent? Can language influence, or even manipulate, our perception of visual content?

In the case of Van Ray, the answer is clear: the Urban Art artist excels at enriching figurative motifs with diametrically opposed claims and materials, effectively breaking their previous connotations. By countering supermodels, pin-ups, and comic heroes with language, he places them in entirely different contexts, imbuing them with new meanings and crafting new narratives. This evolution transforms him from a Mind-Basher into a skilled storyteller.

All of this culminates in a visual cosmos where a Kate Moss, encased in plexiglass and flanked by rust, drippings, and fragments of typography, challenges us with the slogan "Be your own personal revolution." A defensively contemplative slacker is confronted with the phrase "Exit boring reality" — serving as a representative of our hidden longings and secret desires. Van Ray never elevates his slogans to a categorical imperative; rather, he seems to encourage us, pointedly and empathetically, to embrace more courage, free thinking, and civic bravery. Ultimately, we are responsible for continuing the story he has initiated...

The opening night will feature a speech by art and culture journalist Yorca Schmidt-Junker.

Diamonds & Rust @ 30works Opening: 02.12.2016, 19:00, Speech: Yorca Schmidt-Junker.

Exhibition: 02.12. - 30.12.2016
Opening hours: Tue.-Fri. 15:00-19:00, Sat. 11:00-18:00

30works Gallery Antwerpener Str. 42
50672 Cologne Tel. 0221 – 5700250 hello@30works.de www.30works.de