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