New collection of work from Toby Ray at the Exeter Phoenix

Back at the House: Toby Ray’s first exhibition of new work at the Exeter Phoenix in the new year

Toby Ray is set to reveal his brand new collection of work in his first major exhibition in three years.

Toby has been working steadily towards this new collection at his Truro studio for the past year and will reveal the fruits of his labour in the January exhibition, entitled Image Is Everything, at the Exeter Phoenix arts centre from Wednesday, January 5 to Sunday, January 30.

Ralph’s: Image is Everything, Toby Ray’s exhibition at the Exeter Phoenix

Toby hails from the small seaside village of Wembury in the South Hams, and he cites the ocean as a primary inspiration for his art work.

Part acrylic seascape, part woodwork, and part interior design, his mixed media constructions are intensely thought-provoking. Each piece can be seen as an artwork within an artwork – containing elements of contemporary seascape painting, 3D assemblage, spray can stencilling and mixed media painting.

Down by the River: “I take inspiration from everywhere, from the urban street to the Cornish coastline and everywhere in-between”

Toby told ArtsCulture: “I create interior/exterior views in various imaginary houses I don’t own around the world.

“My constructions are a new take on the classic subject of still-life – fusing contemporary art practices with more traditional fine art techniques. I take inspiration from everywhere, from the urban street to the Cornish coastline and everywhere in-between.”

Toby Ray’s Image is Everything is at the Exeter Phoenix from Wednesday, January 5 to Sunday, January, and pop along to Toby’s website for more information about him and his work.

(images: by Toby Ray, from the top: Back at the House; Ralph’s; and Down by the River.