Alex Grey

Alex Grey was fascinated since adolescence with the themes of mortality and polarity, Alex Grey saw in the human anatomy a microcosm of the many systems and levels of order in nature. He spent several years at Harvard Medical School studying human anatomy. Grey's unique series of 21 life-sized paintings, the Sacred Mirrors, which has been translated into five languages, take the viewer on a journey through the physical and metaphysical anatomy of the self by examining, in detail, the body, mind, and spirit of an individual. A number of those canvases have been inspired by psychedelic and contemplative mystical visions. Begun in 1979, the series took a period of ten years to complete. After painting the Sacred Mirrors, Grey applied this multidimensional perspective to painted visions of such archetypal human experiences as praying, meditation, dying, kissing, copulating, pregnancy, birth and nursing. Grey portrays the body as translucent, revealing complex anatomical systems and interwoven with glowing subtle energies visible to clairvoyants. His work has been exhibited worldwide, including Stux Gallery and the New Museum in NYC, the Grand Palais in Paris, the Sao Paulo Biennial in Brazil, and most recently a large exhibition at the University Galleries of the University of Illinois, Normal, IL.

His most recent book, released fall of 2001, entitled Transfigurations, is Alex's second large format monograph containing over 300 color and black & white images of Grey's work. His inspirational book, The Mission of Art, traces the evolution of human consciousness through art history, exploring the role of an artist's intention and conscience, and reflecting on the creative process as a spiritual path. ARTmind is the artist's recent video exploring the healing potential of Sacred Art. Grey co-edited the book, Zig Zag Zen: Buddhism and Psychedelics (Chronicle Books, 2002). He lives in New York City with his wife, the painter, Allyson Grey and their daughter, the actress, Zena Grey. His website http://www.alexgrey.com/.