NYAB Event - Ray Fiero "Deadly Voodoo Sex Romp"

Ray Fiero "Deadly Voodoo Sex Romp"

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Provocative and daring mixed-media sculptures by prolific artist Ray Fiero challenge viewers’ perceptions of spirituality at a solo exhibition opening Friday, May 20 at P.J.S. Exhibitions Gallery, 238 W. 14th street.

In Deadly Voodoo Sex Romp, Fiero portrays religious symbols and icons that provoke questions of worship and devotion. Inspired by Voodoo, Fetishism, Shinto, and Christianity, the work ranges from large, free standing sculptures adorned with nails, jagged metal, and etched wood to wall-mounted pieces layered with tile, wood, and cloth.

The show’s centerpiece, “Step Right Up” (featured), boldly invites viewers to climb up a spiked metal ladder and hammer nails into a wolf head. This practice is intended to ‘exorcise’ fears and demons that perpetuate the psyche.

“I was drawn to the tangible and organic nature of the work,” says Patrick Sullivan, founder and director of P.J.S. Exhibitions. “There are multiple layers to [Fiero's] presentation – both literally and figuratively – that evolve with each showing.”

Renowned for his paintings, Fiero finds a certain freedom in three-dimensional work. “I began to feel limited solving problems in two-dimensions,” says Fiero. “I was excited to reexamine techniques, tools, and themes with unlimited possibilities.”

However, Fiero’s one-of-a-kind pieces resonate with the dominant features celebrated in his paintings – figurative, revealing, and emotional. The drama of industrial fabrication against the beauty of refined craftsmanship communicates the paradox of Fiero’s creative process and encourages viewers to confront their own contradictions.

Ray Fiero was born on Long Island, New York. After studying commercial art in Los Angeles, Fiero went on to found a rock and roll band before exploring his aptitude for fine art and returning to New York in 1997 for his first exhibition.

P.J.S. Exhibitions celebrates its one-year anniversary this month. The gallery serves as a premier location for displaying the new works of exciting, modern, young, and avant-garde artists. As such, Director Patrick Sullivan transforms the gallery’s environment to reflect each artist’s individual work, lending to constant innovation at P.J.S.