Ray Sell: Stand Yer Ground

Leo Kesting Gallery Presents:
Ray Sell: Stand Yer Ground May 13 – June 13, 2010
Opening Night Reception: Thursday, May 13 from 7-10pm
812 Washington Street (at Gansevoort) NY, NY 10014
8th Ave A, C, E and L train Stop or 1, 2, 3 to 14th St
Tue – Sat from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm
Sun & Mon 1 – 6pm
Admission is free to the public
Phone: 917-650-3760 / 917-292-8865
http://www.leokesting.com

Status-perception is everything, and from guns, to breasts, to jack-hammers, size matters here. It’s a man’s world at Leo Kesting Gallery as Ray Sell returns with "Stand Yer Ground", his latest collection of vintage collages, running through June 13. Drawing back the curtain on the American male psyche, Ray explores identity through both possessions and professions.

In The Gunman (11" x 14", mixed media, 2010), Ray explores man's deep desire for authority as a figure dreams about being the maverick gun-toting hero, on the prowl and ready to shoot. Classic themes of exploration and loss of innocence abound as Ray’s boys make the sometimes perilous and always exhilarating journey into manhood.

In Baggage (9" x 12", mixed media, 2010), a young boy marches toward adulthood pulling a wagon filled with all its trappings, including booze, tools and cigarettes, all under the watchful eyes of a rugged cowboy.

“Constant consumption and masculine wiles continue to play well in this world where consumer confidence rides on the edge of a razor,” states gallery director John Leo, “Ray Sell offers us a reminder of the better days in times when the economic rebound is within reach.”

Leo Kesting invites you to join us as we unveil Stand Yer Ground with an opening night reception for the artist on Thursday, May 13 from 7:00 – 10:00pm. The work will be on display daily until June 13.

Ray received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York. His artwork has been displayed in New York, Miami, Asbury Park and Ireland. He has received critical acclaim from New York Magazine’s July 2009 issue, the July issue of L Magazine, June 2008 issue of ArtCards, the 2008 preview for the Miami Basel shows in Forbes Magazine and the Dec 2007 Art Basel Review in the Economist.

Leo Kesting Gallery launched in 2003 and developed an aggressive campaign to introduce new figurative artists to collectors and art supporters. Leo Kesting offers the art viewing public an opportunity to see forthcoming talents in an intimate setting where undiscovered, cutting-edge artists are presented to the contemporary art scene.

Leo Kesting Gallery is located at 812 Washington Street at the corner of Gansevoort in Manhattan’s Meat Packing District. A, C, E or L train to 14th Street. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 11am until 7pm and Sunday and Monday 1-6pm.