JAMES MCCRAY

James McCray (1912–1993) was a seminal figure in the Northern California art scene, celebrated for his distinctive approach to geometric abstraction. His academic journey began at the University of California, Berkeley, where he obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees, eventually returning there to serve as a professor until becoming emeritus in 1982. McCray’s style evolved significantly over his career, marked by a distinctive use of geometric abstraction involving linear grids and vibrant color planes. His work often integrated elements from graphs and maps, abstracting them into a visual language that played across canvases like mechanical drawings. This technique not only distinguished his art but also embedded a unique structural depth into his compositions.

Throughout his illustrious career, McCray's contributions were recognized in numerous prestigious exhibitions, including multiple annual shows at the San Francisco Art Association and significant displays at the Golden Gate International Exposition and the Palace of Fine Arts. His influential teaching stint at the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute) saw him fostering a new wave of modernism within the academic realm, introducing future luminaries like Elmer Bischoff and David Park. McCray’s work, with its rigorous exploration of form and color within the bounds of abstract expressionism, captures a dynamic blend of precision and creative liberty, making his legacy a cornerstone of modern American art. His paintings, celebrated for both their artistic merit and their historical significance, continue to resonate deeply within the art community and among collectors at Celestial Gallery.