Ashley Gray
-
→ Review (2019) By Artfix
→ Interview (2021) by Art Dealer Street
→ Interview (2021) by Artist Close Up
→ Interview (2024) by Aatonau
→ Interview (2024) with Contemporary art curator magazine
→ Review (2024) by Contemporary art curator magazine
→ Featured in Van Gogh Tribute (2024 by Contemporary Art Station
→ Featured in “Art Leaders of Tomorrow” (2025) by Contemporary Art Curator
-
→ Solo Exhibition at ArtFix (2019)
-
→ CGSociety editors choice Award (2011)
→ CGSociety editors choice Award (2017)
→ Creativepool People's Choice Award (2023)
→ Contemporary Art Station's Premier Art Prize (2025)
-
Ashley Gray, known in the digital art world as Human, is a London-based artist whose work bridges technical mastery with raw personal reflection. His creations explore profound themes of duality, ego, grief, and loss, blending structured precision with expressive chaos to evoke deep emotional responses.
From an early age, Ashley's inner world was shaped by introspection and existential curiosity. While many embraced the simplicity of youth, he found himself drawn into the complexities of thought—a quiet observer of both human emotion and the indifferent universe. This introspective nature fuelled his artistic journey, challenging him to articulate the intangible through digital form.
A Digital Pathway to Expression
Encouraged by his family, Ashley pursued a path that merged his scientific interests with creativity. Initially drawn to science then later programming and graphic design, he soon discovered 3D modelling, a medium that transformed his early struggles with traditional drawing into an exciting exploration of space and form. Introduced to Maya in college—and later 3DStudio Max and ZBrush—he found a discipline that allowed him to construct precise digital worlds.
His skills were sharpened further at Teesside University, where he earned both a Degree and a Master’s in Computer Games Art, refining his ability to craft digital compositions, narrative structures, and immersive spaces. While the rigorous demands of the program tested his resilience, his mentors played a pivotal role in guiding him through moments of doubt and creative uncertainty.
Navigating Challenges & Artistic Evolution
Following his academic achievements, Ashley faced the realities of the creative industry. Despite his technical expertise, securing opportunities proved difficult. Temporary roles gave way to an unexpected four-year stretch working in a meat factory—a humbling experience that, despite its challenges, instilled a deeper sense of perseverance and resilience.
Influences & Inspirations
Ashley’s influences span both modern and classical worlds. On one hand, contemporary 3D artists such as Viky Yeo, Mike Thompson, and Raf Grassetti inform his technical approach, each offering a level of mastery he continuously aspires to. On the other, historical figures like Edgar Allan Poe, Francisco Goya, and Edvard Munch provide thematic inspiration—their explorations of human fragility and existential depth resonate deeply with his creative philosophy.
Beyond awards and shows, Ashley's artistic journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of Creativepool, an organization that championed his work during times of uncertainty. His piece, The Hands That Lift Me (2024), is dedicated to those who empowered his creative standing, helping him rise beyond self-doubt.
The Essence of Ashley's Work
At its core, Ashley's art serves as a meditation on the tension between human emotion and the indifferent universe. His compositions reflect the internal struggle between structure and chaos—each piece offering a window into the fragile yet persistent nature of existence.
The universe operates with relentless indifference, where time and space move without concern or consequence, no self-awareness, empathy, or intent.
In contrast, human beings experience life through emotion, connection, and memory.
We exist with an intensity that defies the mechanical rhythm of the universe. The interplays of this can be seen everywhere, from birthdays to funerals, we simply can not escape our own significance.
I aim to remind you of that, at times the world can be cruel but you are not alone in your anguish, your extremely personal experiences and feelings are also universal.
