Alex Grey
Wednesday April 7, 2010 at 8:00PM
If spiritual psychedelic art strikes your fancy, and you are unfamiliar with the work of Alex Grey, you are in for a real treat. Alex began studying art at the Columbus College of Art & Design where he first began developing his anchoring themes of death and transcendence of human beings. He then studied at the School of The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where he met his wife, artist Allyson Grey. While attending, Alex & Allyson began experimenting with hallucinogenic substances- especially LSD, which they believed dramatically expanded their abilities to interact with their art form. After college, Alex spent a great deal of time at Harvard University Medical School; including 5 years he spent working in the anatomy department preparing cadavers for dissection. Because of Alex’s natural proclivity for all things relating to the human life cycle, he learned everything there is to know about anatomy, and quickly began to infuse it into his art form. His ability to so accurately depict the internal workings of the human anatomy quickly landed him a job in artistic anatomy and figure sculpture at NYU which he kept for 10 years. If his credentials alone are not enough to impress you, then take a look at some of his art work. Major themes of his work examine the physical and metaphysical anatomy of the human form in incredibly meticulous detail. Many of his paintings include detailed representations of the human skeletal structure, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and lymphatic system. The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors series; which consisted of 21 anatomically flawless life sized paintings depicting everything from the most heightened states of human consciousness to the most agonizing and painful states was on display in New York City up until just last year. To see the Chapel is to stand on the precipice of the art form, and to experience something truly miraculous. In 2009, the CoSM headquarters has moved to its new permanent home in Wappinger Falls, NY, about 2 ? hours outside of Manhattan, where Alex believes people can fully immerse themselves in the spirituality and intrinsic beauty of this incredible, mesmerizing, and often shocking art form. In addition to the Chapel itself, Alex has painted countless other works, many of which have been sold, or are on display in the CoSM headquarters. Alex’s art work has been associated with many musical acts over the years. Some of his major collaborations include the linear artwork for Nirvana’s album in “In Utero”, and The String Cheese Incident’s album “Untying the knot.” Additionally, he has also done extensive work with the visionary rock band Tool, including live painting at shows, creating digital manifestations of his work as backdrops at shows, and album artwork. He is currently working on a “Tool Shrine” at the CoSM headquarters, paying homage to the band, and its unique genre transcending style that appears to seamlessly blend odd time signatures unlike any act in music. Signed posters, prints, and other incredible Alex Grey merchandise is available through the CoSM online store at Alexgrey.com.