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“Get back up and try again”

Ray Caesar is an English digital surreal artist, born on October 26, 1958, who currently resides in Toronto, Canada. His artistic journey has been significantly influenced by his early experiences and professional background.

Caesar was born in England and moved to Canada with his family in 1967. He spent 17 years working in the Art & Photography Department of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, where he was involved in art therapy and created medical documentation. This role exposed him to the harsh realities of childhood trauma, including child abuse and surgical procedures, profoundly impacting his artistic vision. He has described his time at the hospital as a source of inspiration for his work, stating that it allowed him to witness both great sadness and miraculous recoveries.

Artistic style:

Caesar’s artwork is characterized by its use of 3D modeling software, primarily Maya, which he mastered during his tenure in digital animation. His creations often juxtaposed elements of childlike innocence with grotesque features, exploring themes of trauma, memory, and identity. He draws inspiration from surrealists like Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dalí, merging various decorative styles, including Art Deco and Victorian aesthetics, into his digital pieces.

His creative process often begins with “automatic drawing,” allowing subconscious thoughts to guide his hand. This approach leads to the inclusion of hidden elements in his work, such as old letters and photographs, which add layers of meaning and personal history.

Most important works:

La Chasse (2023)

This digital artwork, sold at auction for $2,500 in 2023, is a prime example of Caesar’s intricate and layered compositions. It depicts a young girl in a Victorian-style dress surrounded by animals in a lush, dreamlike setting.

Charon (2021)

Charon is a digital print on archival paper that showcases Caesar’s technical prowess. The piece features a young girl in a flowing dress standing in a boat, surrounded by a mysterious, atmospheric landscape.

Solitude (2023)

Solitude is another recent digital print that highlights Caesar’s ability to create haunting, evocative scenes. The work depicts a young girl in a white dress standing alone in a desolate, surreal environment.

The Trouble With Angels (2014)

This solo exhibition, held at the Palazzo Saluzzo Paesana in Turin, Italy and the Dorothy Circus Gallery in Rome, Italy, featured a collection of Caesar’s works that explored themes of innocence and corruption.

Exhibitions:

Release: New Work of Ray Caesar

This exhibition will take place at Gallery House in Toronto, Canada in February 2024. It will showcase Caesar’s latest digital creations, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist.

Solo Exhibition at Spazio Torino

Caesar will have a solo exhibition at Spazio Torino in Turin, Italy in August 2024. The exact dates have not been announced yet, but it will likely run for several weeks.