Rayden Lawrence

A R T : R A Y D E N L A W R E N C E

Rayden Lawrence is an lgbt+, 21 year old emerging artist. Rayden is from Canso, Nova Scotia and he graduated with a BFA in Visual Arts from Memorial University in May 2021. Rayden periodically addresses lgbt+ identity and racism in his work, inspired by challenges he has faced in his interracial same-sex relationship.

Artist Statement - Rio 2016: Unranked, Oil on Paper, 135” x 51” , 2021

Rio 2016: Unranked is a series of 306 paintings of Olympic athletes who competed in the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. One athlete was randomly selected from each event via a random number generator. I spent 30 to 40 minutes on each portrait, avoiding giving extra attention or special treatment. This series removes the competition and creates an unbiased representation of a selection of participants. In doing this we see a passionate and hard-working group of individuals who are seen as a whole, not a ranked system of bodies separated by race and sport. Rio 2016: Unranked has been an opportunity for significant growth; I am thankful to have acquired more skill in representing people from different racial backgrounds. This work encourages the viewer to think about why representation matters, and reminds the viewer that someone notices your hard work. You deserve to have your efforts recognized.

https://raydenlawrence99.wixsite.com/website Instagram: @rayden _ lawrence