Sunshine Ray is an interdisciplinary artist based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their art exists in the realm of play, wanders the depths of imagination, and challenges us all to let out our inner selves. Sunshine had to grow up quickly and was parentified from a very young age. Now, as an adult, they are reclaiming play through immersive installations that provide a safe space for all to pretend, to frolic, have tea parties, eat ice cream for breakfast, and imagine the impossible.   

Hues of red, yellow, and blue have been incredibly formative to Sunshine’s art, leading them back to clowning. But …. why clowns? As a teen, Sunshine attended summer clown camp and walking in the Parade of a Thousand Clowns, inspired by their hometown clown, Red Skelton.

In their current clowning practice, Sunshine is fascinated by the idea of makeup as a mask. Sometimes growing up doesn’t allow for being silly and playing pretend, but when one transforms into a clown, a true self is unleashed. Clownery– and miming specifically–is also a window of expression, communication, and language sans spoken word.