Charles LeDray, workworkworkworkwork, 1991
On any given day in Manhattan, hundreds of people walk along the sidewalks. But during July of 1991, at the crosswalk by Astor Place, people stopped in front of a unique display unlike any of New York’s street vendors. A large man sat on the curb heading up a sidewalk sale of the tiniest handmade clothes imaginable. Thus, the artist Charles LeDray transformed the curb into his own art gallery. Business men on their way to work leaned in close. Homeless squinted at the intricate detail. For a moment, the bustling city slowed, captivated by the strange view of the everyday world shrunk by human hands.
Born in Seattle in 1960, LeDray’s mother taught him to sew, laying the foundation for what would become an extraordinary passion. After attending art school in Seattle and dropping out, he worked as a museum guard at the Seattle Art Museum where he watched visitors pass through, quietly taking in the art on the walls. Later in his studio, he drew from his museum guard experience, modelling many of his works from his observations.
Charles LeDray, Torn Suit, 1997-98, mixed media, 28 1/2 x 12 x 3 inches
LeDray makes everything by hand, alone.
Refusing to use art assistants, he stitches clothes and sculpts more typical art materials like clay, and rare materials like human bone until the magical happens. The details in each piece are exquisite, leaving the viewer touched by the intricacy and quiet calculation required. When asked about the scale of his work, the artist simply states “All my work is the actual size it needs to be.”
LeDray’s art isn't about being small, but looking closely; his clothes aren’t worn, his bowls aren't used. Despite this, they feel lived in and loved, like far away memories that are right in front of you. Many of his works are centered around clothing, softly raising questions of identity, and who we become in everyday life. You don't need to know everything about them. You just have to stop and look.
Charles LeDray, Mens Suit, 2006-09, mixed media
Charles LeDray, Part Bed, 2006-07, mixed media
Charles LeDray, Buttons, 2000-01, human bone
Charles LeDray, Throwing Shadows, Eight hundred and fifty-eight hand-thrown unglazed black porcelain vessels, 9 1/2 × 96 1/2 × 21 1/2 inches
Charles LeDray, Hall Tree, 2006, mixed media
Charles LeDray
Born: 1960, Seattle, WA Lives and Works: New York City and Hudson Valley Exhibitions (selected): 2023 - Shiner, Peter Freeman, Inc., New York; 2016 - Charles LeDray Works, Craig F. Starr Gallery, New York; 2010 - workworkworkworkwork, Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston; 2010 - workworkworkworkwork, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; 2009 - MENS SUITS The Fire Station, London; 2007 - Sculpture, Sperone Westwater, New York; 2002 - Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Awards, Grants, and Artist Residencies (selected): 1997 - Prix de Rome from the American Academy in Rome; 1993 - Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award in Long Island.