Skip to main content

Rex Ray

American, German, 1956-2015

Rex Ray was an American artist best known for his innovative Pop aesthetic in fine and commercial art — on canvases, wood panels, album covers, paper, book jackets, murals, and rock and roll posters. 

Born in Landstuhl, Germany in 1956, Michael Patterson was raised in Colorado Springs. Before moving to San Francisco in 1981, Patterson, inspired by Andy Warhol, adopted the moniker Rex Ray. He attended the San Francisco Art Institute where he studied with Sam Tchakalian, Kathy Acker, and Angela Davis, and received his BFA in 1989. He became a major force in the Bay Area’s art, literary, and activist communities. 

Ray was one of the first artists to use Mac-based technologies in the creative process to generate art and graphics. His early designs include the first graphics for the San Francisco chapter of Act Up; many guerilla marketing flyers and posters for queer nightclubs; and numerous book covers for City Lights Books and HIGH RISK/Serpent’s Tail.

Ray's impressive client roster in the music, fashion, entertainment, and design industries, includes David Bowie, The Residents, Bill Graham Presents, DreamWorks, Levis, Neiman Marcus, Sony Music, Warner Brothers, and Apple. Rex Ray designs have been licensed and produced as distinctive imagery on scarves, carpets, ceramics, wristwatches, surfboards, and even on a Mini Cooper. 

During his lifetime Rex Ray generated a prolific body of painting and works on paper. His technique involved a complicated process that combined Xerography, handmade woodblock prints, newsprint, and magazine images into vibrant color schemes with parabolic forms and abstract patterns. His works reference mid-century modernism, Dada, decorative arts, Fluxus, and Pop art deployments associated with Andy Warhol and continue to speak to ideas of beauty during eras known for post-modernist and Conceptual ideologies. 

Ray’s work has been included in exhibitions at the Akron Art Museum, Berkeley Art Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and more. Several books including Cut & Paste, Rex Ray: Art + Design, and Information feature images with writings about his career and artistic practice.

Find Rex Ray art on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Lucille Khornak Gallery)

to
12
3
12
3
3
3
1
1
Pyzinerol

Pyzinerol

By Rex Ray

Located in Lyons, CO

Color lithograph, Edition 30 In 2010, Ray made his first lithographs at Shark’s Ink., Pyzinerol and Pyzinerol II. Ambitious prints with 18 colors from 15...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Rex Ray

Materials

Lithograph

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray
Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

By Rex Ray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A mixed media and resin collage by Rex Ray, signed by the artist. USA, 2007.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paper

Mixed-Media and Resign Collage by Rex Ray
Mixed-Media and Resign Collage by Rex Ray

Mixed-Media and Resign Collage by Rex Ray

By Rex Ray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A mixed-media and resign collage by Rex Ray, untitled. Signed by the artist, USA, circa 2004.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paper

Untitled
Untitled

Untitled

By Rex Ray

Located in New York, NY

Rex Ray (American 1956-2015) "Untitled", Abstract Mixed Media on Wood, Signed Verso, 16 x 24, Early 21st Century, 2010 - Colors: Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink, Black, Brown Rex Ray (Sept. 11, 1956—Feb. 9, 2015) was an American artist best known for his innovative pop aesthetic in fine and commercial art—on canvases, wood panels, album covers, paper, book jackets, murals, and rock and roll posters. Born in Landstuhl, Germany in 1956, Michael Patterson was raised in Colorado Springs. Before moving to San Francisco in 1981, Patterson, inspired by Andy Warhol, adopted the moniker Rex Ray. He attended the San Francisco Art Institute where he studied with Sam Tchakalian, Kathy Acker, and Angela Davis, and received his BFA in 1989. He became a major force in the Bay Area’s art, literary, and activist communities. Ray was one of the first artists to use Mac-based technologies in the creative process to generate art and graphics. His early designs include: the first graphics for the San Francisco chapter of Act Up; many guerilla marketing flyers and posters for queer nightclubs; and numerous book covers for City Lights Books and HIGH RISK/Serpent’s Tail. His impressive client roster in the music, fashion, entertainment, and design industries, includes David Bowie, The Residents, Bill Graham Presents, DreamWorks, Levis, Neiman Marcus, Sony Music, Warner Brothers, and Apple. Rex Ray designs have been licensed and produced as distinctive imagery on scarves, carpets, ceramics, wristwatches, surfboards, and even on a Mini...

Category

2010s Abstract Rex Ray

Materials

Wood, Mixed Media

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray
Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

By Rex Ray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A lovely example of Rex Ray’s graphic collage style. Rex Ray (1956-2015) was an American graphic designer and artist based in San Francisco. His work is in mus...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paper

Rex Ray
Rex Ray

Rex Ray

$6,250

Rex Ray

By Rex Ray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A lovely example of Rex Ray’s graphic collage style. Rex Ray (1956-2015) was an American graphic designer and artist based in San Francisco. His work is in mus...

Category

Early 2000s Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paper

Rex Ray
Rex Ray

Rex Ray

$6,250

Rex Ray

By Rex Ray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A mixed media and resin collage by Rex Ray, signed by the artist. USA, 2006.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paper

1996 Oasis - San Francisco Original Vintage Poster
1996 Oasis - San Francisco Original Vintage Poster

1996 Oasis - San Francisco Original Vintage Poster

By Rex Ray

Located in Winchester, GB

This beautiful poster was created in 1996 to promote a live concert of Oasis at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. This tour marked the second attempt of the legendar...

Category

1990s Rex Ray

Materials

Paper

Mixed-Media and Resign Collage by Rex Ray
Mixed-Media and Resign Collage by Rex Ray

Mixed-Media and Resign Collage by Rex Ray

By Rex Ray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A mixed-media and resign collage by Rex Ray, untitled. Signed by the artist, USA, circa 2005.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Rex Ray

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paper

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray
Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

By Rex Ray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A mixed-media and resin collage by Rex Ray, untitled. Signed by the artist, USA, circa 2007.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Rex Ray

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paper

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray
Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

By Rex Ray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A mixed-media and resin collage by Rex Ray, signed by the artist. USA, 2004.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paper

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray
Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

By Rex Ray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A mixed-media and resin collage by Rex Ray, untitled. Signed by the artist, USA, circa 2007.  

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paper

1998 Beastie Boys - Portland Rose Garden Original Vintage Poster
1998 Beastie Boys - Portland Rose Garden Original Vintage Poster

1998 Beastie Boys - Portland Rose Garden Original Vintage Poster

By Rex Ray

Located in Winchester, GB

This beautiful vibrant poster is from the Beastie Boys concert at the Portland Rose Garden in 1998 with support from the likes of the great A Tribe Called Quest. The show saw the New...

Category

1990s American Rex Ray

Materials

Paper

1997 David Bowie - San Francisco Original Vintage Poster
1997 David Bowie - San Francisco Original Vintage Poster

1997 David Bowie - San Francisco Original Vintage Poster

By Rex Ray

Located in Winchester, GB

This brilliant poster is from David Bowie's 1997 concert at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco, California. The show was in support of his album from the same year "Earthling" whi...

Category

1990s American Rex Ray

Materials

Paper

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray
Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

Mixed-Media and Resin Collage by Rex Ray

By Rex Ray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A mixed-media and resin collage by Rex Ray, signed by the artist. USA, 2007.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paper

Related Items
Act 1 Mixed Media Collage on Antique Gameboard
Act 1 Mixed Media Collage on Antique Gameboard

Act 1 Mixed Media Collage on Antique Gameboard

$1,200

H 17 in W 21 in D 0.75 in

Act 1 Mixed Media Collage on Antique Gameboard

By Fay Sciarra

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Richly layered mixed media collage on antique game board having Shakespeare plays as its theme with bits of vintage texts from Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, and more. The leather book bin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paper

Gigi: red black abstract print with poetry based on 1950s vintage movie poster
Gigi: red black abstract print with poetry based on 1950s vintage movie poster

Gigi: red black abstract print with poetry based on 1950s vintage movie poster

By Rene Ricard

Located in New York, NY

Touched by the influence of Andy Warhol, champion of a young Jean-Michel Basquiat, Rene Ricard served as enfant terrible of the 1980s New York art scene. This red and black lithograp...

Category

1980s Contemporary Rex Ray

Materials

Lithograph

Sky Holes  -  Colorful Wood Sculpture Organic Blue Red Abstract Wall Artwork
Sky Holes  -  Colorful Wood Sculpture Organic Blue Red Abstract Wall Artwork

Sky Holes - Colorful Wood Sculpture Organic Blue Red Abstract Wall Artwork

By Rebecca Klundt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This original geometric abstract wall sculpture by Rebecca Klundt is a 16-inch square mixed media artwork, constructed from reclaimed wood and finished with acrylic paint. Featurin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Rex Ray

Materials

Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel

A365 - Original Blue Painting Abstract Contemporary on Canvas
A365 - Original Blue Painting Abstract Contemporary on Canvas

A365 - Original Blue Painting Abstract Contemporary on Canvas

By Marco Schmidli

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Swiss born artist Marco Schmidli creates minimalist paintings with a contemporary edge. Placing emphasis on process, he lets the mediums naturally manifest within his artwork. “An important aspect of my artwork is the removal of my own artistic hand. Instead of controlling and demanding the paint move and act a certain way, I let the paint naturally manifest and express its pure form/ true colors/ most natural movement.” Schmidli's work is known for its sensitive surfaces and subtle textures. He has developed specialized techniques for applying and layering color, giving depth to his paintings. This 35 inch high by 28 inch wide, and 1.75-inch deep original artwork is an abstract composition in acrylic paint on wood. This artwork is wired and ready to hang. Schmidli uses acrylic paint to create the deep tonality of his colorful works. It is signed and dated on the back. Free local Los Angeles delivery. Affordable Continental U.S. and worldwide shipping available. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included. Schmidli studied photography and fine art in Switzerland and Rome. He worked as a photographer and painter in Zurich and then in 1989 he moved to California. Schmidli has been creating large scale artworks since. He has developed specialized techniques for applying and layering color. His artworks have been featured in the film and entertainment industry, such as fashion photography, celebrity portraits, music videos, films, editorials, and at red carpet events. Schmidli has set a new standard for large scale contemporary abstract works in Los Angeles. His original paintings have appeared in highly respected magazine publications, such as Vogue, Flaunt, and Harper’s Bazaar. His work has also been featured in fashion spreads of iconic international brands such as Nike and Balenciaga. REPRESENTATION Artplex Gallery, Los Angeles, USA CLIENT LIST ADVERTISING Acura, Aveda, Bath & Body Works, Bloomingdales, Cost Plus, Covergirl, Heather Levine, JC Penny, Loehmann's, Lord and Taylor, Macy's, Mazda, MGM Resorts International, Neiman Marcus, Noah's Bagels, Nordstrom, O.P.I., Oakley, Porsche, QVC, Saks Fifth Avenue, Silverman Group, Sketchers, Smashbox Beauty, Sprint, Stila. EDITORIAL Architectural Digest, Cosmo Girl, Cosmopolitan, Details, Elle Décor, Elle, Empire Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, ESPN, Esquire, Essence, Forbes Life, Giant, Glamour, Golf Digest, Good Housekeeping, GQ, Hearst Magazine, House Beautiful, Instyle, Ladies Home Journal, Latina Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Lucky, Martha Stewart Living, Maxim, Men’s Vogue, New York Magazine, New York Times Magazine, Oprah Magazine, Parade, Parents, People, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Seventeen, Shape, Spin, Sports Illustrated, Teen People, The Hollywood Reporter, The Wall Street Journal, Town & Country, US Magazine, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Wonderland, Women’s Wear Daily FASHION Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, BCBG, BEBE, Bluefly, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Chrome Hearts, David Yurman, Delia’s, Eileen Fisher, INC, FIDM, Fredricks of...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Rex Ray

Materials

Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic

"Untitled" lithograph on cardboard by Imi Knoebel from "Kinderstern" portfolio
"Untitled" lithograph on cardboard by Imi Knoebel from "Kinderstern" portfolio

"Untitled" lithograph on cardboard by Imi Knoebel from "Kinderstern" portfolio

By Imi Knoebel

Located in Boca Raton, FL

"Untitled" lithograph on cardboard of red "Star for Children" by artist Imi Knoebel from the "Kinderstern" portfolio, published in 1989 by Edition Domberger to raise money to house f...

Category

1980s Contemporary Rex Ray

Materials

Lithograph

Rachel Denny Collage Painting Photographic Mixed Media Art Piece, 2003
Rachel Denny Collage Painting Photographic Mixed Media Art Piece, 2003

Rachel Denny Collage Painting Photographic Mixed Media Art Piece, 2003

Located in Round Top, TX

A fine example of Rachel Denny's earlier works, a mixed media piece incorporating photography, wood salvage and a resin seal. Piece is displayed on a burlap board (included). Ms. De...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Burlap, Resin, Wood

YES TO LIFE-NO TO DRUGS (Oui À La Vie-Non À La Drogue) 1987 Signed Lithograph
YES TO LIFE-NO TO DRUGS (Oui À La Vie-Non À La Drogue) 1987 Signed Lithograph

YES TO LIFE-NO TO DRUGS (Oui À La Vie-Non À La Drogue) 1987 Signed Lithograph

By Sami Burhan

Located in Union City, NJ

YES TO LIFE-NO TO DRUGS (Oui À La Vie-Non À La Drogue) is a handmade color lithograph by the internationally recognized Syrian artist Mohammad Sami Burhan printed on archival Arches ...

Category

1980s Contemporary Rex Ray

Materials

Lithograph

Vintage Roman Column 6 Panel Architectural Incised Privacy Screen Room Divider
Vintage Roman Column 6 Panel Architectural Incised Privacy Screen Room Divider

Vintage Roman Column 6 Panel Architectural Incised Privacy Screen Room Divider

Located in Wayne, NJ

Large decorative 6 Panel Architectural privacy screen room divider. Will go well with style decor . From Traditional to Modern. This is a heavy in weight piece. Many details are inc...

Category

1970s Unknown Modern Vintage Rex Ray

Materials

Brass

Untitled limited edition signed abstract geometric print by renowned sculptor
Untitled limited edition signed abstract geometric print by renowned sculptor

Untitled limited edition signed abstract geometric print by renowned sculptor

By Keith Sonnier

Located in New York, NY

KEITH SONNIER Untitled, 1995 Letterpress on Sumerset Paper Edition 91/100 Signed and numbered in graphite from the edition of 100, recto Frame included Measurements: Sheet: 6 inches ...

Category

1990s Contemporary Rex Ray

Materials

Mixed Media, Pencil, Lithograph

Unique Reverso Room Divider by Draga & Aurel
Unique Reverso Room Divider by Draga & Aurel

Unique Reverso Room Divider by Draga & Aurel

$10,108 / item

H 106.7 in W 11.42 in D 0.4 in

Unique Reverso Room Divider by Draga & Aurel

By Draga & Aurel

Located in Geneve, CH

Unique Reverso room divider by Draga & Aurel Price for each piece. Please contact us Unique piece Dimensions: W 29 H 271 Materials: Resin, po...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Brass

Mixed Media Collage of Antique Photographs and Letters by Ben Freeman
Mixed Media Collage of Antique Photographs and Letters by Ben Freeman

Mixed Media Collage of Antique Photographs and Letters by Ben Freeman

Located in Peabody, MA

A mixed media work by noted artist and photographer Ben Freeman. This large scale work features a collage of antique gentleman’s photographs and authentic ...

Category

Early 2000s American Post-Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Lead

Pals - Two Bicycles Abstract Geometric Mixed Media Painting on Wood
Pals - Two Bicycles Abstract Geometric Mixed Media Painting on Wood

Pals - Two Bicycles Abstract Geometric Mixed Media Painting on Wood

By Rebecca Klundt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rebecca Klundt’s "Pals" uncovers the unique beauty of original paintings, geometric abstractions, and textural mixed-media art. This 32-inch high by 25-inch wide artwork transforms reclaimed wood into a stunning assemblage finished with layers of acrylic paint, highlighting Klundt's commitment to sustainability and creative renewal. Perfect for lovers of eco-friendly art and modern textural compositions, "Pals" features a playful yet sophisticated design of figures composed of bold lines and shapes against a distressed wood-texture background. Klundt’s use of found materials and geometric patterns creates a sense of harmony and order, while the vibrant accents of orange and teal bring dynamic energy to this visually captivating piece. Key Features: > Mixed-Media Assemblage: Crafted from reclaimed wood and layered with acrylic paint, resulting in a textured, geometric composition. > Compact Statement Size: At 32 x 25 inches, this original artwork is ideal for adding a unique touch to smaller spaces or as part of a gallery wall. > Eco-Friendly Art: Made with sustainable materials, reflecting Klundt’s passion for repurposing and renewal. > Ready to Hang: Mounted on a sturdy wood panel, wired, and painted on the sides, eliminating the need for additional framing. > Authenticity Guaranteed: Signed on the back by Rebecca Klundt, with a certificate of authenticity included. About the Artist: Rebecca Klundt, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, holds a BFA from Brigham Young University and is widely recognized for her innovative use of reclaimed materials in art. Inspired by the natural world and the process of transformation, Klundt creates abstract works that explore themes of renewal, order, and the beauty of lines. Her artistic philosophy embraces using "the unusable" and turning discarded materials into thoughtful, organized compositions. Drawing from the textures and fissures of Utah’s slick rock formations, Klundt’s works are a testament to her love of significant lines and her ability to imbue each piece with a sense of natural balance and human ingenuity. Why "Pals" Stands Out: Rebecca Klundt’s "Pals" is a perfect example of her ability to merge sustainability with contemporary art. Its playful geometric forms and eco-conscious construction make it an ideal addition for collectors seeking modern, textural art that tells a story of creativity and renewal. "Pals", a one-of-a-kind original mixed-media painting by Rebecca Klundt adds sustainable elegance to any home or office space. This unique, eco-friendly artwork celebrates the beauty of reclaimed materials and modern abstraction. Klundt's artworks have been exhibited in Utah and California and have been collected throughout the USA. REPRESENTATION Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, USA EXHIBITIONS 2022 Art and Soup Charity Expo, Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT 2021 Rouge Show, Sears Art Museum, St George, UT Certain Women: Reflections on a Mother in Heaven, Salt Lake City, UT 2020 Spring Salon, Springville Museum, Utah Holy Visitation: The Dawning of the Restoration, Washington, DC 2019 Religious & Spiritual Show, Springville Museum, Springville, Utah BDAC Statewide Annual, Bountiful, Utah Statewide Annual, SLC, Utah SLCC President’s Show, SLC, Utah Spring Salon, Springville Museum, Springville, Utah LDS International Art Competition, SLC Utah Certain Women Show, Anthony’s Fine Art...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist Rex Ray

Materials

Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel

Previously Available Items
David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails Original US Concert Poster Proof, 1995
David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails Original US Concert Poster Proof, 1995

David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails Original US Concert Poster Proof, 1995

By Rex Ray

Located in Devon, GB

A rare uncut printer's proof poster by graphic designer and collage artist Rex Ray for a performance by David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails at the Shorelin...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Rex Ray

Materials

Paper

Rex Ray furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Rex Ray furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Rex Ray furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Rex Ray were created in the modern style in united states during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Patrick Carrara, Elena Lyakir, and rebecca ruoff. Prices for Rex Ray furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $6,250 and can go as high as $15,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,250.

Creators Similar to Rex Ray

Questions About Rex Ray
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    Rex Ray was born on September 11, 1956, on a military base in Germany, where his father was stationed with the U.S. Army. The American collage artist and graphic designer grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1981, he relocated to San Francisco, California, where he attended the San Francisco Art Institute. He continued to reside in San Francisco until his death in 2015. Explore a collection of Rex Ray art on 1stDibs.