Some people are so kind and talented that it seems to just ooze from their soul. Charles Antoine Gray is definitely one of those people! Whenever I encounter him, he’s always so welcoming, greeting me with a big smile and a hug. Despite his raw talent, Charles is somewhat bashful when accepting compliments about his work, which is endearing and such a beautiful trait.
Though I’ve run into him at art events throughout Fort Worth, this is the 3rd time I’ve seen Charles’ various works, and this show is different. Prominently on display at Talley Dunn Gallery in Dallas, it’s the first time that I’ve seen his sculptures and they’re striking! His artist Bio reads,
“Autobiographical in nature, his work seeks to present a nuanced portrait of his experiences and depoliticize the ways society views him as a Black man”.
Although I know that the name “Charles Gray” is frequently mentioned as a major player in the art scene, I didn’t realize that he is finishing up his BFA at The University of Texas at Arlington. His colorful self-portraits, stacked on top of each other, are colorful and bright, yet the expression is solemn and inquisitive… he definitely has a lot to say!
The gold and silver busts are arranged together on a pedestal in a non-symmetrical pattern, and if you look close enough, you’ll discover a much smaller golden statue tucked in between the others. Compared to the others, it is not only diminutive in size, but looks faceless and nondescript. It’s easy to miss, tucked deep within the bold, impressive busts, and I wonder if that statue represents how he views himself in a sea of the versions of Charles Gray that others project onto him. Guess I’ll have to ask him next time our paths cross.
To explore more of his body of work, visit his website and/or Instagram.
Article & Photos by: Mouty Shackelford
