Rex Ray vision
Hooray for Rex Ray! The first monograph devoted to his multifaceted career, Rex Ray Art + Design, is finally out through Chronicle Books. Brimming with 160 pages of his fluid forms and atomic-age shapes, the book proves that you don’t need special specs to enjoy Rex Ray vision.
San Francisco’s favorite former-Tower-Records-employee-turned-successful-mixed-media-artist made his name creating psychedelic collage-style concert posters for Bill Graham Presents (I’m particularly fond of the Spiritualized poster he did for their 2001 show at the Fillmore), but he has since become a beloved fine artist and graphic designer. Forever straddling the two worlds, Ray will be autographing the new book at—appropriately—two different venues: a gallery and a design store.
For those who like to sip a little wine while waiting to get their book signed, Gallery 16’s opening reception is TONIGHT—Friday, November 9—from 6-9 p.m. Of course, if you can’t make it out, you can stop by to check out the new paintings and collages anytime before the show closes on December 30.
Or if you want to grab one of Ray’s resin collages and pick up a signed copy at the same time, head to San Francisco’s Jonathan Adler store on Tuesday, November 13 from 5-7 p.m.
Not only has the man mastered his own style of retro-futuristic paper cutouts, mixed-media collages, paintings, and digital prints,but he seems like a genuinely nice guy, too. I saw Ray speak at the SFMOMA a year ago and he displayed the patience of saint during a Q&A session with the partly kooky audience. So if you’re in the Bay Area tonight or next Tuesday, come out to congratulate Ray and feel free to ask him whatever random question comes to mind. But if you’re looking for a real conversation starter, I’d suggest asking him what it was like to work with David Bowie.
