Todd Gray's Photo Assemblages Confront Black Diasporic History at Perrotin and LACMA

Todd Gray's exhibition titled 'Portals' at Perrotin Los Angeles, open until May 30, 2026, showcases multi-paneled photo assemblages that contrast images of slavery with European art and architecture. This event aligns with the debut of his commissioned piece 'Octavia's Gaze' (2025) at the David Geffen Galleries within the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Gray merges his photography with sources such as Hubble Space Telescope visuals, crafting nonlinear visual narratives that delve into the complex and evolving nature of African diasporic identity. Influenced by John Baldessari during his studies at CalArts, where he received both his BFA and MFA, Gray prioritizes beauty and emotion. Notable works include 'Paradox of Liberty (Monticello, Elmina, Akwidaa)' (2026), addressing Thomas Jefferson's contradictions and Ghanaian slave ports, and 'Heart of Darkness in Eden's Garden' (2026), which portrays the AfricaMuseum in Belgium, once a site for colonial 'human zoos.' 'Octavia's Gaze' spans 27 feet, intertwining stories of colonialism, enslavement, and looting, featuring a portrait of Octavia Butler. As a Black Angeleno like Butler, Gray's art reveals the impact of history on survival and transformation.