Christina Bray is an Atlanta-based artist and graphic designer.
Artist Statement
My work consists of digital photographs; bas relief constructions made of plywood, cardboard, acrylic sheets, paint, fabric, paper, and the like; digital and physical collages; acrylic paintings; and the occasional vector illustration.
The subjects include aging buildings and other structures that are either abandoned, defunct, destroyed, or simply forgotten or overlooked. Most have undergone physical transitions, either through long-term decay or by sudden natural or human-made interventions. Sometimes I transform the subject into a deteriorated state through painting or digital processes. Some subjects are real, while others are only inspired by actual places. Or they are generalized enough not to be positively identified as any specific location.
I have been captivated by “liminal spaces” since long before the internet trend – of which I am a great fan – came into being. People very rarely appear in my work. Viewers are invited to reckon with the spaces without any narrative accompaniment. Adding figures, in my view, usually turns the work into a story about the figures rather than a vehicle by which to contemplate the spaces.
Sometimes I research and then visit historically significant locations where I think I can find inspiration, but often, I am struck by seemingly insignificant places that I happen upon unexpectedly. Sometimes I even find inspiration from faraway sites I can only view online. And some pieces contain combinations of these elements.
I am awed by the deeply spiritual feeling I get when visiting such places, whether in person, online, or in my imagination. Perhaps it’s to do with being a history enthusiast, a strong introvert, a fan of dystopian fiction, and a sensitive empath. For me, creating art about these spaces deals with overcoming hardships and moving forward positively.
Christina Bray | June 2025
Education
2018-21
Graphic Design Certificate Programs (Fundamentals and Advanced), Emory University Continuing Education, Atlanta, GA.
Graphic Design Certificate Programs (Fundamentals and Advanced), Emory University Continuing Education, Atlanta, GA.
1997-99
Master of Theological Studies, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Thesis: “Digital Technology and the Reformation Woodcut: A Case for the Visual Arts in Theological Education,” Patrick Graham, Ph.D., advisor.
Master of Theological Studies, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Thesis: “Digital Technology and the Reformation Woodcut: A Case for the Visual Arts in Theological Education,” Patrick Graham, Ph.D., advisor.
1994-96
Master of Fine Arts, Printmaking, Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Thesis: “A Personal Theology,” Thomas Hammond, advisor.
Master of Fine Arts, Printmaking, Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Thesis: “A Personal Theology,” Thomas Hammond, advisor.
1989-94
Dual Degree Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Drawing, Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, GA; Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, GA.
Dual Degree Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Drawing, Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, GA; Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, GA.
Current Bodies of Work
2025-present
Digital photography. Includes new and reprocessed older photographs of abandoned buildings and historic sites. Selected subjects include Central State Hospital, Milledgeville, GA; Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham, AL; and the former Atlanta Prison Farm, Atlanta, GA.
Digital photography. Includes new and reprocessed older photographs of abandoned buildings and historic sites. Selected subjects include Central State Hospital, Milledgeville, GA; Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham, AL; and the former Atlanta Prison Farm, Atlanta, GA.
2024-present
Constructions. Series of assemblages depicting building facades, graffiti, and decay. Materials used: Plywood, plexiglass, acrylic paint, fabric, found objects.
Constructions. Series of assemblages depicting building facades, graffiti, and decay. Materials used: Plywood, plexiglass, acrylic paint, fabric, found objects.
Selected Exhibitions * Indicates solo exhibition
2023
Atlanta College of Art Alumni Printmaking Exhibition, Atlanta Printmakers Studio, Hapeville, GA.
Atlanta College of Art Alumni Printmaking Exhibition, Atlanta Printmakers Studio, Hapeville, GA.
2016-19
Annual Callanwolde Faculty Exhibition, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Gallery, Atlanta, GA.
Annual Callanwolde Faculty Exhibition, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Gallery, Atlanta, GA.
2013
Decatur Arts Festival Juried Exhibition. Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA. Honorable mention.
Decatur Arts Festival Juried Exhibition. Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA. Honorable mention.
2012
Urban Works. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Gallery, Atlanta, GA.*
Urban Works. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Gallery, Atlanta, GA.*
2011
Street Journal: An Exhibition of Documentary Paintings. Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA.*
Street Journal: An Exhibition of Documentary Paintings. Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA.*
2010
Katrina + 5: An X-Code Exhibition. Group photo essay in Southern Spaces online series “Documentary Expression and the American South.” www.southernspaces.org/2010/katrina-5-x-code-exhibition.
Katrina + 5: An X-Code Exhibition. Group photo essay in Southern Spaces online series “Documentary Expression and the American South.” www.southernspaces.org/2010/katrina-5-x-code-exhibition.
Decatur Arts Festival Juried Exhibition. Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA.
2009
Southern Ruins. Heritage Gallery, Athens-Clarke County Library, Athens, GA.*
Southern Ruins. Heritage Gallery, Athens-Clarke County Library, Athens, GA.*
2006
The Milledgeville Project. Gallery 100, Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, GA.*
The Milledgeville Project. Gallery 100, Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, GA.*
1999
Street Prayers, Spiritual Journeys. Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA.*
Street Prayers, Spiritual Journeys. Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA.*
Professional Experience
2023-present
Graphic Designer, Georgia Department of Human Services, Atlanta, GA.
Graphic Designer, Georgia Department of Human Services, Atlanta, GA.
2021-23
Volunteer Graphic Designer, Catchafire, online.
Volunteer Graphic Designer, Catchafire, online.
2019-22
Development Director, Furkids, Inc., Cumming, GA. Position included graphic design.
Development Director, Furkids, Inc., Cumming, GA. Position included graphic design.
2015-19
Instructor in Drawing and Printmaking, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, GA.
Instructor in Drawing and Printmaking, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, GA.
2013-2019
Art Gallery Director, Development Director, and Outreach Director, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, GA.
Art Gallery Director, Development Director, and Outreach Director, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, GA.
2003-12
Minister to Children and Youth, Holy Trinity Parish, Decatur, GA. Position included graphic design, art exhibition planning, and teaching art workshops.
Minister to Children and Youth, Holy Trinity Parish, Decatur, GA. Position included graphic design, art exhibition planning, and teaching art workshops.
1996-2001
Printmaking Studio Technician, Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, GA.
Printmaking Studio Technician, Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, GA.
1998-99
Adjunct Professor, Papermaking and Book Arts (Summer Term), Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, GA.
Adjunct Professor, Papermaking and Book Arts (Summer Term), Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, GA.
1995-96
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Papermaking and Book Arts, Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Papermaking and Book Arts, Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
Press/Interviews
2012
Pousner, Howard. “Exhibit explores graffiti’s art vs. vandalism divide.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Sunday, January 29, p. E3.
Pousner, Howard. “Exhibit explores graffiti’s art vs. vandalism divide.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Sunday, January 29, p. E3.
2011
DeYoung, Bill. “Artistic invocation: Christina Bray uses brushstrokes to summon historical ghosts.” Connect Savannah, August 23, online.
DeYoung, Bill. “Artistic invocation: Christina Bray uses brushstrokes to summon historical ghosts.” Connect Savannah, August 23, online.
Hersh, Allison. “True grit.” Savannah Morning News, August 21, p. 6F.
Mesco, Reilly. “Exhibit showcases the artistic side of graffiti.” The Inkwell, August 18, p. 5.
Chapin, Jody et. al. Mid-Morning Live TV interview, WTOC, Savannah, GA. August 12.
Television/Publications
2010
Home Box Office/Fee-Nah-Ney, LLC. One photograph licensed for use in opening credit sequence, "Treme," season one.
Home Box Office/Fee-Nah-Ney, LLC. One photograph licensed for use in opening credit sequence, "Treme," season one.
2001
Presbyterian Church USA. Church & Society Magazine 91, no. 5, May-June. Includes nine images by the artist: cover, p. 10, p. 17, p. 67, p. 71, p. 76, p. 96, p. 105, p. 146.
Presbyterian Church USA. Church & Society Magazine 91, no. 5, May-June. Includes nine images by the artist: cover, p. 10, p. 17, p. 67, p. 71, p. 76, p. 96, p. 105, p. 146.
2000
Saunders, Stanley P. and Charles L. Campbell. The Word on the Street: Performing the Scriptures in the Urban Context. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Includes seven images by the artist: cover, xix, p. 28, p. 62, p. 116, p. 142, p. 176.
Saunders, Stanley P. and Charles L. Campbell. The Word on the Street: Performing the Scriptures in the Urban Context. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Includes seven images by the artist: cover, xix, p. 28, p. 62, p. 116, p. 142, p. 176.