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UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021

UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021

UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021

UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021

UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021 UCLA MFA 2021

CHERISSE GRAY  CHERISSE GRAY  CHERISSE GRAY  CHERISSE GRAY  CHERISSE GRAY  CHERISSE GRAY  CHERISSE GRAY  CHERISSE GRAY  CHERISSE GRAY

CHERISSE
GRAY  

Cherisse Gray (b.1990, Manila, Philippines) is an interdisciplinary artist living and working in Los Angeles, California. She is a current MFA Sculpture candidate at UCLA and received her BA in Sculpture & Linguistics from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her work has been shown at Eden Airlines (Richmond, VA), Bel Ami (Los Angeles, CA), Murmurs (Los Angeles, CA), In Lieu Gallery (Los Angeles, CA), The Gallery @ (Los Angeles, CA), Kate’s Little Angel (Los Angeles, CA), New Cinema Club (New York, NY), The Power Station (Dallas, TX), and Hideout_FM (Los Angeles, CA).

Gray works across mediums through installation, performance, sculpture, and painting. She liberally utilizes the syntax of contemporary visual culture through the playful adaptation of found objects, reappropriated images, hired actors, and the performance of classical archetypes. At this current juncture in time– her work investigates questions of otherness, porosity, boundaries vs. barriers, and the phenomenology of beauty by way of architecture, design, and assemblage.

cherissegray@gmail.com
 @pitifulmimosa

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This is an Installation image of I/meld/a/Spirit, the culminating thesis work by Cherisse Gray. I/meld/a/Spirit is a sculptural installation situated in a trapezoidal room with no ceiling. Against the far wall is a 15 foot trampoline oriented vertically and sandwiched between the existing wall of the building and a wall the artist built. On the other end of this “sandwich” is a dark maroon confessional booth. On the left hand side (for the confessor) is a lit gray lamp shaped as an organic-looking form. In front of the booth is an undulating concrete bench with an ergonomic dip. To the left of the bench is an audio knob that controls a three minute sound piece which loops on the inside of the priest's side of the booth. The knob can be turned by the viewer to effectively "turn on" or "turn off" the voice of the artist. A crimson red light emanates from the priest’s side of the booth. To the left of the knob is a painting and above the painting is an aluminum pool ladder that leads only to the other side of the wall. The ladder is out of reach for all viewers. The booth cannot be entered.
I/meld/a/Spirit
2021
15 ft Trampoline, mail slot, sidewalk chalk, window hinges, carved wood, metal grates, plywood, MDF, latex paint, wood stain, electric table lamp, copper wire, chicken wire, clay, epoxy resin, paper maché, fabric and wire lamp shade, easy-patch popcorn ceiling texture, oil on wood panel, red tape, audio knob, concrete, aluminum pool ladder
Dimensions Variable

(Installation View)
This photograph is slightly closer up than the previous wide installation shot and is taken diagonally rather than frontally. Inside of the confessor's booth there is a vintage brass mail slot which connects the two portions of the booth.
I/meld/a/Spirit
2021
15 ft Trampoline, mail slot, sidewalk chalk, window hinges, carved wood, metal grates, plywood, MDF, latex paint, wood stain, electric table lamp, copper wire, chicken wire, clay, epoxy resin, paper maché 
Dimensions Variable

(Detail)
This image is a detail shot of a painting. The painting’s edges are covered in a bright red plastic tape. The painting itself is of an empty and rounded floating shelf. The viewer is perspectively situated underneath the shelf, looking up from below. The colors of the painting are primarily different variations of gray, cream, blue, and lilac.
Spirit in the Stairwell
2021
easy-patch popcorn ceiling texture, oil on wood panel, red tape 
42” x 31” x 1”
‍
(Detail)
This image is a close up of an aluminum pool ladder which curves over the top of the wall–leading to nowhere.
Spirit in the Stairwell
2021
aluminum pool ladder
Dimensions Variable
(Detail)
This image is a detail shot of an undulating concrete bench. The bench itself rests on top of two ornate bases. There is a one ergonomic dip along the seated portion of the bench which tells the viewer where to place their body.
 Imeldific
2021
(Detail)
Concrete, plywood, gray primer
Dimensions Variable

(Detail)
This image is a detail shot of the side of the confessional booth. The edges of the maroon confessional booth are treated with a light patina of white chalk, separating it from the front which is still "clean". The warm glow of the table lamp is reflected onto the interior wall. The booth is held together through a series of finger joints.
I/meld/a/Spirit
2021
mail slot, sidewalk chalk, window hinges, carved wood, metal grates, plywood, MDF, latex paint, wood stain
Dimensions Variable

(Detail)
This image is a detail shot of a hand-formed organically-shaped table lamp. The lamp is made from clay, paper maché, and epoxy resin. It is left untreated as a warm gray color. It is resting on top of a concrete pot draining dish. The lamp shade has folds reminiscent of petals. The lamp has “leaves” which grow out of the form. Off to the side is the mail slot with a red light glowing from within.
Porosity & Effervescence
2021
electric table lamp, copper wire, chicken wire, clay, epoxy resin, paper maché, fabric and wire lamp shade
Dimensions Variable
‍
(Detail)
Installation image of Sparkling or still, an exhibition at In Lieu Gallery in Los Angeles. The picture is shot at a wide angle. The room is bright white with a gray concrete floor. There are two sets of ballet barres running along the walls and hung above them are 4 printed and framed images. The images are the reference photos for a series of four oil paintings that translate from the originals, also present within the room. Out-of-hand’s reach is a 300lb black steel monkey bar-like structure that runs from wall to wall. Resting on top of it is an unfired clay tablet which sits precariously on top of the structure.
 The clay tablet has the 10 Commandments scratched onto the front and the back of the surface.
Ashiatsu Canyon Fall
2020
Steel tube, plywood, paint
24 x 155 x 27.25 inches
‍
(Installation View)
Installation image of Sparkling or still, an exhibition at In Lieu Gallery in Los Angeles. The picture is taken at a wide angle. The room is a bright white room with a gray concrete floor. There are two sets of ballet barres running along the walls and hung above them are 4 printed and framed images. The images are the reference photos for a series of four oil paintings that translate from the originals, also present within the room. Out-of-hand’s reach is a 300lb black steel monkey bar-like structure that runs from wall to wall. Resting on top of it is an unfired clay tablet which sits precariously on top of the structure.
 The clay tablet has the 10 Commandments scratched onto the front and the back of the surface.
“Water, no ice.”
2020
Oak dowels, steel ballet brackets
Dimensions variable
‍
(Installation View)
Detail image of a printed photograph framed in a thin matte black frame. The printed image has small marks of oil paint. The image is of a single splayed out mussel, one blueberry, and a plastic straw on top of saltillo tiles and next to a stainless steel refrigerator.
side work III
2020
Laserprint on Xerox paper, oil paint, document frame

(Detail)
Detail image of an oil painting. The painting is composed of a mixture of bright high saturation colors and different variations of gray. It is painted from the perspective of someone standing outside of an under-construction industrial sized walk-in freezer. The sides of the oil painting are painted with black acrylic paint which extend beyond the object into a one inch border around the work.
outside the walk-in
2020
Oil on canvas, acrylic on drywall
37 x 25 inches

(Detail)
Detail image of an oil painting. The painting is made up of light to dark variation of gray with pops of bright yellow and red. The painting is of a concha pastry sitting on top of an unlabeled coffee cup. The coffee cup is placed at the edge of a stainless steel work fridge. In the background is the corner of a sanitizing bucket and the bottom of a metal champagne bucket. The sides of the oil painting are painted with black acrylic paint which extend beyond the object into a one inch border around the work.
concha y crème
2020
Oil on canvas, acrylic on drywall
37 x 25 inches

(Detail)
Detail image of a printed photograph framed in a thin matte black frame. The printed image has small marks of oil paint. The image is of a concha pastry sitting on top of an unlabeled coffee cup. The coffee cup is placed at the edge of a stainless steel work fridge. In the background is the corner of a sanitizing bucket and the bottom of a metal champagne bucket.
side work II
2020
Laserprint on Xerox paper, oil paint, document frame

(Detail)
Detail image of a printed photograph framed in a thin matte black frame. The printed image has small marks of oil paint. The image is of the inside of a restaurant's dirty dish bin. The water is a slightly muddy yellow color and the bin is filled with assorted cutlery and cocktail garnishes.
side work I
2020
Laserprint on Xerox paper, oil paint, document frame

(Detail)
Detail image of an oil painting. The painting is composed of a mixture of high saturation makeup palette-type colors and different gradations of gray. It is painted from the perspective of someone looking downward. The painting is of a single splayed out mussel, one blueberry, and a plastic straw on top of saltillo tiles and next to a stainless steel refrigerator. The sides of the oil painting are painted with black acrylic paint which extend beyond the object into a one inch border around the work.
side work III
2020
Laserprint on Xerox paper, oil paint, document frame

(Detail)
Detail image of a printed photograph framed in a thin matte black frame. The printed image has small marks of oil paint. The image is of two pieces of tape, backlit, and blocking entry to an under-construction industrial sized walk-in freezer.
side work IV
2020
Laserprint on Xerox paper, oil paint, document frame

(Detail)
Detail image of an oil painting. The painting is made up of light to dark variation of gray with pops of bright yellow and red. The painting is of the inside of a restaurant dirty dish bin. The water is a muddy yellow color and the bin is filled with assorted cutlery and cocktail garnishing. The sides of the oil painting are painted with black acrylic paint which extend beyond the object into a one inch border around the work.

Virgin Mary
2020
Oil on canvas, acrylic on drywall
37 x 25 inches
‍
(Detail)
Installation image of Sparkling or still, an exhibition at In Lieu Gallery in Los Angeles. The picture is shot at a wide angle. The room is bright white with a gray concrete floor. There are two sets of ballet barres running along the walls and hung above them are 4 printed and framed images. The images are the reference photos for a series of four oil paintings that translate from the originals, also present within the room. Out-of-hand’s reach is a 300lb black steel monkey bar-like structure that runs from wall to wall. Resting on top of it is an unfired clay tablet which sits precariously on top of the structure.
 The clay tablet has the 10 Commandments scratched onto the front and the back of the surface.
Installation View of Sparkling or still 2020 at In Lieu
Installation image of Hello Baby, Terroir, an exhibition at Murmurs Gallery in Los Angeles. The picture is shot at a wide angle. The room is white with gray concrete floors and exposed wooden beams along the high ceilings. At the center of the room is a built structure that appears to hover several inches off the ground. Behind it is a parked scooter. The parked scooter contains a thick stack of research documents made inaccessible through being sealed underneath plexiglass in the storage seat of the scooter. To the left of it are four black TSA bins placed on the floor. There are three ornate white metal grates installed midway up the wall. In front of each window is a freestanding curvilinear stand which holds separate baby monitors. Each baby monitor corresponds to a camera on the inside of the center structure and surveils the sculptures within. There are two windows treated with privacy film on either side, each with its own functioning air conditioner. Underneath each air conditioner is a bed pan filled with non-domestic coins and water. The door to the structure is located on the ceiling, out of reach to all viewers. The only way into the structure is through a dog door built into said out-of-reach door.
Installation View of Hello Baby, Terroir at Murmurs
Detail image of a bed pan filled with non-domestic coins and water.
Hello Baby, Terroir
2019
Hello Baby® baby security system, windows, one-way mirror film, air conditioning units, back door with dog entrance, bedpans, water, mixed (non-domestic) currency, 3 bottles of palm wine, wine stand, ice, candle, 51lb suitcase, aluminum angle, wrought iron steel, sheetrock, wood, paint, steel pencil rod.Dimensions variable

(Detail)
Installation image of four black TSA bins sitting on the floor filled with different compositions of objects.

Progressive Assimilation, TSA Pre✓
2019
Passport cover, security chain, pen, measuring tapes, standard TSA bin.
4.5 x 22 x 15.5 inches (edition of 1 of 4)

Progressive Assimilation, TSA Pre✓
2019
Passport cover, broken metal cabinet lock, standard TSA bin.
4.5 x 22 x 15.5 inches (edition 2 of 4)

Progressive Assimilation, TSA Pre✓
2019
Passport cover, tap shoes, standard TSA bin.
4.5 x 22 x 15.5 inches (edition 3 of 4)

Progressive Assimilation, TSA Pre✓
2019
Passport cover, foreign SIM card, needle, airplane headphone adaptor, standard TSA bin.
4.5 x 22 x 15.5 inches (edition 4 of 4)

(Installation View)


Detail image of a black TSA bin sitting on the floor. Inside of it are the following items: a red American passport holder, a foreign SIM card, a needle, and an airplane headphone adaptor.
Progressive Assimilation, TSA Pre✓
‍2019
Passport cover, foreign SIM card, needle, airplane headphone adaptor, standard TSA bin
4.5 x 22 x 15.5 inches (edition 4 of 4)

(Detail)

Detail image of a black TSA bin sitting on the floor. Inside of it are the following items: a yellow American passport holder and a pair of children’s tap shoes.
Progressive Assimilation, TSA Pre✓
2019
Passport cover, tap shoes, standard TSA bin
4.5 x 22 x 15.5 inches (edition 3 of 4)

(Detail)
Installation image of one of the ornate metal grates and a baby monitor stand.
Hello Baby, Terroir
2019
Hello Baby® baby security system, windows, one-way mirror film, air conditioning units, back door with dog entrance, bedpans, water, mixed (non-domestic) currency, 3 bottles of palm wine, wine stand, ice, candle, 51lb suitcase, aluminum angle, wrought iron steel, sheetrock, wood, paint, steel pencil rod
Dimensions variable

(Installation View)
Detail image of one of the baby monitor stands.
Hello Baby, Terroir
2019
Hello Baby® baby security system, windows, one-way mirror film, air conditioning units, back door with dog entrance, bedpans, water, mixed (non-domestic) currency, 3 bottles of palm wine, wine stand, ice, candle, 51lb suitcase, aluminum angle, wrought iron steel, sheetrock, wood, paint, steel pencil rod
Dimensions variable

(Detail)
Detail image of one of the faces of the baby monitor. It provides live surveillance of three bottles of palm wine resting on a metal wine rack
Hello Baby, Terroir
2019
Hello Baby® baby security system, windows, one-way mirror film, air conditioning units, back door with dog entrance, bedpans, water, mixed (non-domestic) currency, 3 bottles of palm wine, wine stand, ice, candle, 51lb suitcase, aluminum angle, wrought iron steel, sheetrock, wood, paint, steel pencil rod
Dimensions variable

(Detail)
Detail image of one of the faces of the baby monitor. It provides live surveillance of a candle flickering in a pile of ice inside of a wine bucket. Pieces of ice cubes are strewn across the floor.
Hello Baby, Terroir
2019
Hello Baby® baby security system, windows, one-way mirror film, air conditioning units, back door with dog entrance, bedpans, water, mixed (non-domestic) currency, 3 bottles of palm wine, wine stand, ice, candle, 51lb suitcase, aluminum angle, wrought iron steel, sheetrock, wood, paint, steel pencil rod
Dimensions variable

(Detail)
Installation image of a parked scooter. The storage compartment contains a stack of thick documents made inaccessible through a sealed plexiglass barrier.
Strange New Developments
2019
Broken scooter, plexiglass, research documents, index tabs, book ends, shattered driver-side mirror, wire, linseed oil
53 x 30.5 x 66 inches
‍
(Installation View)
Detail image of the scooter’s storage compartment.
Strange New Developments
2019
Broken scooter, plexiglass, research documents, index tabs, book ends, shattered driver-side mirror, wire, linseed oil
53 x 30.5 x 66 inches
‍
(Detail)
Detail image of the center structure. In the window is a reflection of the scooter’s front tire.
Hello Baby, Terroir
2019
Hello Baby® baby security system, windows, one-way mirror film, air conditioning units, back door with dog entrance, bedpans, water, mixed (non-domestic) currency, 3 bottles of palm wine, wine stand, ice, candle, 51lb suitcase, aluminum angle, wrought iron steel, sheetrock, wood, paint, steel pencil rod
Dimensions variable
‍
(Detail)
Detail image of the door installed on the roof of the center structure.
Hello Baby, Terroir
2019
Hello Baby® baby security system, windows, one-way mirror film, air conditioning units, back door with dog entrance, bedpans, water, mixed (non-domestic) currency, 3 bottles of palm wine, wine stand, ice, candle, 51lb suitcase, aluminum angle, wrought iron steel, sheetrock, wood, paint, steel pencil rod
Dimensions variable
‍
(Detail)
Detail image of an architectural blueprint. The original blueprint was edited and manipulated by the artist. On the left hand corner is a key which tells you the contents of the center structure. It reads: 3 Bottles of Palm Wine, 51lb Undercarriage Suitcase, Candle on Ice.
Ne Pas Fumer Dans Ta Chambre
2019
Blueprint, bulletin board, pins
36 x 48 inches

(Detail)
I want to believe in God again
2021 
MP3 of the artist’s voice 00:03
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