Surreal portraits and big teeth are focus of artist Ray Arcadio’s solo exhibition

JERSEY CITY – North Bergen artist Ray Arcadio will exhibit new work at his exhibit “Shape Shifter” at PortO Lounge in Jersey City from June 5 to Sept. 4. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 5 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Arcadio’s “In Shape” series, depicting surreal portraits of familiar personages, is inspired by the selfie, primitive art, and street art, serving as visual puns about our constant need to “fit in” in or get “in shape” physically and/or psychologically within our society. Numerous pop icons and superheroes have been removed from their environment and forced to fit into a new In Shape universe, held as hostages of conformity. A painting of Ken and Barbie, for example, depicts the couple nude as Ken grins intensely with enormous teeth at Barbie, while she looks straight at the viewer in her own creepy way – both perfectly “In Shape.” The paintings serve as reminders to “define the shape you’re in,” break out of the mold, never just fit in or let the shape you’re in define who you are.
Arcadio has exhibited extensively around the United States and appeared in various newspapers, magazines, and television shows. He has participated in numerous group shows throughout New York and New Jersey and was chosen one of 30 artists to represent the state in the “The Visual Imaginary of Latinas/os in New Jersey,” sponsored by Rutgers University’s Center for Latinos Arts and Culture. His work is in the private collection of the Jersey City Museum in Jersey City, NJ; The Museum of Modern Religious Art at the University of St. Louis in St. Louis, MO; and the Museo Moderno de Arte, Santo Domingo, RD. Arcadio earned his BFA from NJCU in 1991 and has worked as a graphic designer. He is the founder of the culture jamming collaborative and street art group Artfux. He currently lives and works in North Bergen.
Arcadio’s surreal portraits will be on display as part of JC Fridays. PortO Lounge is located at 286 1st Street, Jersey City. Performing at the reception will be New Jersey’s indie rock favorite, Fiscal Cliff, playing original songs from their repertoire as well as covers.