About

Sylvan Fern Gray works from his studio in Milwaukee WI. and has shown in regional venues from the Milwaukee Art Museum, West Bend Art Museum, Beloit College/ Wright Museum, and the Kohler Art Center, permanent collection at The Iron Horse Hotel, (Milwaukee’s premier boutique hotel destination), as well in New York, Stamford Ct., Minneapolis and Chicago. His focus on social issues, historical myth, and mysticism informs, motivates, and highlights certain notions found in popular history to encourage authentic overall community connection. His use of disparate nostalgic imagery creates dissonance in the viewer’s mind. Layered with social commentary, he addresses presumed societal and religious dogmas and myths. At the same time, his bold use of bright colors helps accentuate and bring to the surface the hidden dramas of communal interaction. Ultimately the work prods the viewer towards self-reflection and the possibilities of a meaningful community beyond age, race, gender, and societal position.