Jen Ray

ART PAPERS: Where do you look for inspiration?

Jen Ray: Glam rock, the subway, Bowie, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Berlin, punk, pre-code film, Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress, Mildred Pierce, Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter version), Blondie, Black Sabbath, The Gay Dolphin, Cicely Tyson as Harriet Tubman, Busby Berkeley, New York City.

AP: What do you wish for people to know about your work?

JR: My work is almost always about complex female heroines and the environments and histories in which they exist. I create paintings, performance art, sound works, and sculptures.

AP: Describe your studio when you’re working.

JR: I don’t want anyone near me when I’m working because I’m often listening to a gory true-crime podcast. Weirdly enough, a lot of artists listen to shows about murder. And I also like one about vintage Hollywood called You Must Remember This. I drink a lot of coffee and seltzer and my space is pretty organized (Libra style).

AP: Which artist(s) would you most like for your work to be displayed next to?

JR: Otto Dix, Frances Stark, Judy Chicago, Faith Ringgold, Wangechi Mutu, Louise Bourgeois, George Grosz, Jack Kirby, Hilma af Klint, Mary Reid Kelley.

AP: Why did you choose to support Art Papers by participating in the 21st Annual ART PAPERS Art Auction?

JR: I love Art Papers! I lived in Atlanta for five years and I’m still a big supporter.

AP: What are your plans for 2020? Do you have upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?

JR: Performance art wise, I will continue my exploration of the “American Woman.” I want to focus specifically on projects in New York City—fertile ground to many American women troublemakers. I’m also preparing a project to take place during the Republican National Convention but it’s top secret.

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Learn more about Jen Ray on her website, or follow her on Instagram.