Ray Noland – All American Grillz

I saw Ray Noland at the Sweet Tea & American Values Opening Reception, June 11, 2010

Since the early 1990s, my work has involved the creation of conceptually based sociopolitical screen-printed posters, imagery and art activism. I embrace the hand of the artist and technology — carrying this philosophy through my process. In my work, I comment on the American dream and the subsequent gap between it and reality. My work also addresses racial identity, pop culture, politics and underlying social behaviors historical and current which continue to shape American society. I document a moment in time (DAMIT) by creating imagery that resonates with people. I’m trying to engage in social and political discourse in a humorous way. Often times these themes are combined into work reflecting heros and/or villains of our society. Like a vessel, I constantly receive stimuli from the environment which becomes part of my work. I present the viewer with a mirror reflection of the world as it is. My social commentary weds graphic form with brazen content. The result is at times stark and brash and at others photographic and honest.

From Artist Statement