Tower is an exploration of the ideology and symbolism of humanity's recurring attempt to reach skyward: building monolithic structures. As Gray notes, ‘As symbols they can be intimidating and overbearing, however, they also enhance orientation in a landscape and can be markers of confident cultural identification and symbolising harmonious solidarities'.
Gray has produced a body of paintings and drawings over the last two years, including the seven loan works, that engage with the visual presence of towers in various landscapes and contexts. These were exhibited at Melbourne's Red Gallery Contemporary Art Space in June 2012, before subsequently being on display in the Joyce McGrath Gallery at the State Library of Victoria.
Gray's work has been recognised recently with an invitation to take up an artist residency in June 2013 at The Art Vault, Mildura; a contemporary space that has previously hosted established artists such as Rick Amor, Jon Cattapan, Jason Benjamin and, in January, Ex De Medici.
The seven paintings have been loaned to the College by the artist, and will be on display until March 2013.
