Chris Gray

 Hi, I’m Chris Gray. I’m 48 years old and have a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia which is largely under control by the correct medication. I grew up in Littlehampton and I’ve lived in Brighton for over 20 years. I’ve been using computers to create images, animations, interactive pieces and music since the early 1990’s and I have a Professional Development Certificate in interactive multimedia design (2002-2003) and half an HND in computing (1993-1995). I first got into using computers in my artwork writing programs in BASIC to generate geometrical graphics patterns on early 8 bit computers like the Sinclair Spectrum and the Acorn Electron in the 80’s, but more seriously in the early 1990’s when I got my first Commodore Amiga and a copy of Deluxe Paint. Since then I’ve been using a combination of digital and hand drawn techniques to achieve what I believe to be some very eye-catching and thought provoking images.  I’m greatly inspired by 20th century art in general, especially abstract artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Jackson Pollock, a lot of 60’s ‘pop’ artists including Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein and ‘op art’ artists like Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely. I’m also very interested in ideas surrounding geometry (the juxtaposition of regular and irregular polygonal shapes, symmetry / asymmetry and tessellation) and concepts from fractal maths (endless repetitions of similar but non-identical shapes and patterns etc.). My work is mostly about internal states of mind I have experienced, from dreams and nightmares to altered states of perception, euphoria, delirium, paranoia and psychosis. I love using a lot of bright, clashing colours in my work and in this I think I’m slightly trying to unsettle and challenge conventional ideas of ‘good taste’. I have also been producing, mixing and recording electronic music since the early 1990’s. Over this time I’ve used a wide variety of techniques and technologies. I make tunes across a broad spectrum of styles from hip-hop to rock, mellow electronica to hardcore drum and bass, all from a very experimental angle. In addition I’ve made several animated short movies and videos to accompany my tunes.  Here are some links to my online work : My Online Portfolio   My Movies    My Tunes   Order CD’s here