Exhibition:  10th Aug – EXTENDED UNTIL 7TH Oct 2017

Meet The Artist:  Saturday: 16th, 23rd & 30th Sept – 12pm – 3pm

Extended by popular demand, now with three exclusive dates to Meet the Artist.

“My name is James Gray, and I’m an artist. I was homeless and I joined an art therapy class. It changed my life.
I love the anticipation, the mess, the colours, the thought of something amazing happening. I’m in my element, I feel cleansed and absolute. I dream in colour”

If you would like to meet me, as well as bathing yourself in colourful delights, then why not come along to Outpost for a chat (and a cuppa)

BIG THANKS to all people who have purchased my work so far, and to others who have liked and loved my art. From the bottom of my heart, thanks”

James Gray

Meet the Artist:

Dates: Saturday 16th, 23rd & 30th September 2017

Time: 12pm-3pm

Venue: The Outpost, 546 Holloway Road, Islington N7 6JP

I Dream in Colour, new solo-exhibition by James Gray at Outpost showcasing fantastic art in vivid colour, influenced by the inner world of dreams. A mix of psychedelic abstract paintings and figurative sgraffito skylines of London, where he lives and works.

His compact abstract paintings on canvas draw you into an intricate fantasy world of colour spectrums, twisting kaleidoscopes and glitter, where the physical fluid movement of thick acrylic paint is captured in glistening textured surfaces. The imagination wanders amongst swirling paint to find order in the chaos, with shapes morphing into surreal creatures and landscapes. Evocatively described as ”jewellery on canvas”, “ice cream” and “candy made in dreams”, the sensuous and soothing paintings are a sight to behold and treasure.

His figurative sgrafitto works depict luminous city skylines and trees in acrylic on paper. Layers of painted are scratched through to reveal what is underneath, creating texture and depth. The dark foreground and brightly coloured lines give the impression of atmospheric night scenes.

James loves to immerse himself in the experience of painting and the feeling of creative flow. He is constantly surprised by what emerges, and by people’s interpretation of what they see in his work. This sense of wonder and discovery is a great source of inspiration that drives him to develop his artistic practice.

“My journey started 10 years ago when I found myself homeless. I’ve struggled throughout my life, but nothing prepares you for a life on the streets. Surviving each day and night, that’s what it’s all about. Not knowing what’s next. A life outside of life. First you think it’s just a dream and then it hits you. There is no comfort or joy, just pain and sorrow. Being kicked, being woken up and moved on. Being a stain on society, a piece of dirt. Just another statistic. I am thankful because it opened a door for me. A path that led me to where I am. I joined an art therapy class in a day centre. I taught myself different techniques and soon fell in love with art. Art saved my life. I’ve exhibited and sold my work through Café Art. I now live in my own flat. I’ve started my own business as a self-employed artist. I’m Artist in Residence at Diorama Arts Centre. And now have my own exhibition at Outpost. That’s how far I have come. My name is James Gray, I am an artist and I dream in colour.”

Peter Bedford Housing Association (PBHA) are proud to work in partnership with Café Art to provide a platform for James Gray at Outpost, as part of PBHA’s Big Lottery funded Supporting Makers programme. The programme provides support for artists and makers experiencing barriers to accessing the art world. Participants are supported to become creative entrepreneurs and to develop, showcase and sell their work.