Painter Anthony John Gray Shares Patriotic Perspective with Prints of Pax Americana

Dec. 11, 2008 - PRLog -- NEW YORK—Anthony John Gray’s stealth bomber butterflies, using the flags as a wing structure from which everything else is connected, is presentation that is hard not to be entrapped by.

At very patriotic moment in our world history, Harkrider Fine Arts presents a limited edition of prints of the symbolic “Pax Americana.”

“Pax” doesn’t stray from the traditions found in Gray’s other works, - the balance of geometric structure and the spiritual meaning behind the work.  

This painting is especially meaningful, enhancing a story of peace and the inner potential that speaks of nationalism, a new hope, and the coming together of worlds and minds.

Anthony speaks of his intentions with Pax by saying, “While working on the piece I was reminded about Thomas Jefferson and the journey of Lewis and Clarke to discover unknown America. Now is the time to find out about the unknown us. For it is not in discovering who we are but in remembering who we once were and to forge new beginnings.”

There are many symbols in the painting, some bluntly exposed and some need a deeper look to be discovered, for example, Anthony’s perspective explains, “The background grey flag (Old Glories) acting as a second wing structure has the stars and white stripes missing. This is a passing of an old glory as the butterfly transforms into a new meaning through the front colored flag and the coming together of the 25 stars in each bomb shape cut-out in the left and right pillars. I wanted to join East and West not oppose them, therefore colors of other beliefs are introduced into the painting.”

Looking deeper into the painting one can also see Anthony’s intriguing perspective on the use of Islamic colors, “The Islamic colors cutting along the bottom of the painting represent separation and the coming together of religious purpose; the original seven colors also stand for the seven prophets – Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and Mohammed. The six colors I use to join and separate the elements of the painting added to the Islamic based colors ( 6 colors on top and 7 colors underneath come to 13) and we have an unreasoned fear of the number 13.”

On why he has chosen the American Flag Anthony explains, “Of all the flags in the world, the American flag instills in people a huge reaction and it must be the most recognized symbol in the world today –So here we are in the 21st century looking at the great unknown future and we artists should explore it. For in our work we offer a way in, not a way out, as a tranquil way to share a message of harmony of one world and one people.”

The original oil on canvas “Pax Americana,” is a very large piece spanning 93” by 54” and the details of the special limited edition of prints are:

Pax Americana
Limited Edition: 150
Size: 48" x 28", plus 4" borders
Retail Price: Please inquire
Medium: 8 colour giclee on german etching paper

In 1987, Anthony was made honorary citizen of Palm Springs for artistic achievement. He designed the reverse side of one of five commemorative medals for the Palm Springs Golden Anniversary along with Yaccov Agam, Leroy Neimann, R.C.Gorman and Olaf Weighorst.  - This is an especially significant accomplishment considering Gray’s first profession was a police officer with the Sussex Constabulary stationed at East Grinstead and he is a self-taught artist.  He has also worked on large installation projects for companies such as the Institute of Nutritional Sciences in San Diego and the I.R.T Corporation in California.  

To view the original “Pax Americana” please contact Harkrider Fine Arts, www.harkriderfinearts.com. On display is a framed print of Pax Americana as well.

Harkrider Fine Arts has had a history with the artist that dates back to the early 1980s.

Contact:
Isobella
Director
Harkrider Fine Arts
www.harkriderfinearts.com
info@harkriderfinearts.com