JERSEY CITY – North Bergen artist Ray Arcadio will exhibit new work at his solo art exhibit “SHAPE UP” at Gia Gelato & Café located on 281 Newark Ave., Jersey City. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 5 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Arcadio’s collection of minimalist surreal portraits of superheroes and popular symbols that are fun, quirky and at times thought provoking will be exhibited from Sept. 5 through Dec. 3 as part of JC Fridays. His “In Shape” series is inspired by the happy face, primitive/tribal art and corporate logos. The idea behind the series is to force a subject’s most identifiable characteristic into the template of a universal shape (circle, rectangle or triangle), giving them a childlike and comical effect while subtly commenting on consumerism, conformity, and self-image. They serve as visual puns about our constant need to “fit in” in or get “in shape,” physically and/or psychologically, within our society.
Ray has exhibited extensively around the United States and appeared in various newspapers, magazines, and television shows. He was chosen one of 30 artists to represent the state in “The Visual Imaginary of Latinas/os in New Jersey,” sponsored by Rutgers University’s Center for Latino Arts and Culture. His work is in the private collection of the Jersey City Museum in Jersey City, The Museum of Modern Religious Art at the University of St. Louis, MO, and the Museo Moderno de Arte, Santo Domingo, RD.
Performing at the reception will be New Jersey indie rock band, Fiscal Cliff, playing original songs from their new album “Convalesce,” as well as a few covers. Fiscal Cliff is made up of Manny Ray, Carlos Perez, Luis Garrido, and Mike Prussack.
Local artist Ray Arcadio exhibits new work in solo show
