It’s your last chance to use your own eyes to see “Ghost Visions,” a solo exhibition by artist Joy Ray, at Gallery and Projects in Hermosa Beach. The early daytime event happens on Halloween between 10:30am and 1pm. Joy Ray has invited, “Cosmic Buddy,” Jonathan Schleyer, to host a guided meditation at 1pm. There is limited in-person space and since the event wants to be inclusive as possible, if you can’t make it to the gallery, join on Zoom at 1pm and let’s all see where the Cosmic Buddy plans to point the space ship. Zoom: 479.922.3403; PW: 006346; 

“Ghost Visions,” opened at ShockBoxx Gallery and Projects in Hermosa Beach on Saturday, October 9, 2021.

Joy Ray, “The Sign” 2021, Castoff denim, sand, paint, acrylic and string, 12 x 12 inches

“I think of ghosts as ambassadors to an unseen world,” Ray says. “This could be an actual ghost, or a dream, premonition, or intuition, one of those moments of strangeness that makes us aware of the fact we’re surrounded by the mysterious at all times.”

The abstract paintings and sculptures in Ghost Visions blur the boundaries between the seen and unseen worlds, using textiles throughout. Ray’s new works incorporate thrift store clothing and vintage fabric, especially well-worn denim jeans – all of them cast-away items full of secret histories. Ray uses glyphs, redaction marks, ouija-inspired lettering, and “ghost signatures” to explore the limitations of language. With the alchemy of rusted metal and “ghost impressions” made by applying paint to fabric on uneven surfaces, Ray’s intent is to invite collaboration from the shadow side.

Joy Ray received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College and is currently an MFA candidate at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work is held in the collection of the Museum of Art and History in Lancaster, CA, and in private collections worldwide.

What:  Closing Reception, “Ghost Visions,” Joy Ray
Where: ShockBoxx Gallery, 636 Cypress Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
When: October 31, 2021, 10:30am – 1:00pm
Website: https://www.shockboxxproject.com