Ray Monde’s figures wade through river water, toss themselves gaily from rope swings and recline on surfboards that float gently downstream. Around them is a layered world – cut from newspapers and magazines and treated to washes of paint. Close inspection reveals tree trunks comprised of printed paragraphs and faint pictures that dapple the water.

 

Aside from celebrating one of life’s great pleasures (immersing oneself in cool water on a very hot day), Monde’s collage scenes also operate on a deeply personal level; as rich examinations of queerness within the framework of regional Australia.

 

This stockroom selection follows the success of his first major solo exhibition in a public gallery at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery as well as exhibiting with the Blake Prize, the National Works on Paper Prize and Paddington Art Prize. A beloved fixture of the regional Australian art scene, Ray has built a significant following and demand for new pieces is strong.

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See available works at Michael Reid Southern Highlands