THAYER BRAY

MAY 5-26, 2023
Snap Space Gallery

Caregivers

Thayer’s caregiver series, of small man figures sgrafitto-ed on clay, represent his investigations about contemporary masculinity and its path forward. As conceptions of what it is to be a man are changing, and becoming increasingly more nebulous, the contemporary man has a greater opportunity to decide, discover and shape identity. Which parts of historic masculinity are to be discarded or cultivated; can positive traits be parted from toxic behaviors or are they inextricably conjoined?

The figures are made of stoneware ceramic, simultaneously durable and brittle, with linework pulled out of the glazed clay. The potted plants are an emblem for the recipient of masculine care. They sprout, die, bloom, wither thrive, fail at the inexpert but earnest hand of each individual caregiver. Confidence, fear, dispassion, confusion and shame are all at play as each man tries to give care.

About the Artist

Thayer N.G. Bray is a draw-er, printmaker, bookbinder, and sculptor based in Kansas City. He earned a BFA in Printmaking and minor in Art History from the University of Kansas in 2009. For almost a decade he was shop assistant, then edition printer, at the Lawrence Lithography Workshop in Kansas City, MO. He currently works as admin/artist assistant at Kate Schroeder Ceramics, and operates Red Shorts Bindery, a blank book bindery and zine publishing imprint.