AUGUST 2021
Fantasyland | Stephen Gray
Fantasyland is a continuation of my work originating from the deconstruction and recombination of childhood toys. Stylistically in the tradition of comic grotesque, many of the pieces are akin to fetishes or power objects, often exhibiting a perverse humor to them. Stuffed animals and plastic toys are disassembled and reinvented to form strange new creations. Each new “toy” is a remembrance and a resurrection, a mirror to our inner thoughts and motivations.
Stephen Gray originally began working as a self taught artist in the field of photography in the 1980’s. Since that time he has branched out into the mediums of digital collage, sculpture and installation art. Stephen has exhibited his work extensively throughout Alaska and the lower 48 in numerous group and solo exhibitions including solo exhibitions at the Alaska State Museum, Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, and the University of Arizona. His work is in the permanent collections of the Alaska State Museum, Anchorage Museum and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum.