Visible | InDivisible

Reflecting on notions of visibility, invisibility and indivisibility, found in the sciences, philosophy and art, this exhibition presents a comprehensive body of work by sculptor and artist Richard Bray including a number of special created monumental sculptures in both 5-7 Portugal Place and St. Clement’s Churchyard.

 

All of Bray’s work relies on, and challenges, the viewer’s perception. The illusionary qualities of his sculptures seem to defy gravity, test or assumptions and depend entirely on the viewer’s perspective. Like all great sculpture they must be experienced and contemplated. Bray’s dynamic, hypnotic ink drawings reflect his interest in both systems on the one hand, and the intervening role of chance, risk and randomness, on the other. They remind us of something which is machine-made, yet their imperfect-perfection can only be created by a carefully crafted, hand-made process.

 

They are simultaneously un-nerving and soothing. 

 

As an early contributor to, and inspired by, the British Land Art Movement, Bray’s work is both site-specific and interacts with its natural and physical environment. Time spent in Tanzania in the 1980’s fundamentally transformed Bray’s practice and informed his relationship with materials and ongoing commitment to working with found, ethically and sustainably sourced, and often local, wood. 

 

For this exhibition the naturally-occurring, organic forms of the five acacia sculptures in St Clement's embrace and reflect the wild garden and living trees. They act as a counterpoint to the more formal, linear and geometric shapes which mirror and complement the modernist architecture of 5-7 Portugal place.

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Born in London Bray went on to study Photographic Arts at Polytechnic of London (University of Westminster) followed by an M.A. in Fine Art at Norwich School of Art & Design, before eventually settling in Cambridgeshire. As a Tutor in Photography, Fine Art and CSVPA from the 1990’s until his retirement in 2021, Bray has inspired generations students and young artists around the world. In 2007, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Sculptors.

 

His work is held in important private and public collections in Cambridge and the East of England, nationally and internationally. I would like to thank the generosity and support of all the people who have made this exhibition and venture possible. 

 

Dr. Anna M. Dempster, Cambridge 2024