How London Is Gray Wielebinski?

Ahead of London Gallery Weekend, we sat down with Gray Wielebinski, whose exhibition Bring Me Men is currently on view at Nicoletti gallery in Shoreditch, London. Drawing on his father's time at the United States Air Force Academy, the show explores masculinity, identity and the systems that shape them. Before discussing the show, we put his London credentials to the test.

Gray Wielebinski, Bring Me Men, 2026 (installation view, Nicoletti). Courtesy the artist and Nicoletti

North, South, East or West?

I’m going to have to say east. 

Favourite gallery in London? 

Sadie Coles. Other than Nicoletti, obviously. 

Is London still a big deal? 

Oh, totally. If people stop loving London, I'm dead. 

You're mayor for the day. What do you change? 

This is quite niche, but I have a lot of bones to pick with Hackney Road and the traffic going on there. 

Gray Wielebinski, Bring Me Men, 2026 (installation view, Nicoletti). Courtesy the artist and Nicoletti

Best pub?

I love The Eagle in Clerkenwell. 

Foxes, yes or no? 

Oh, absolutely. They're so cute. 

Worst London tourist trap? 

I don't know, I always like going into central and seeing everyone enjoying themselves. I think I have a very Paddington Bear energy about London.  It makes me excited. 

Favourite London restaurant?

Rita’s is amazing. 

Worst job you've had in London?

I think the best job and the worst job is the same, which is being an artist in London. 

Gray Wielebinski, Bring Me Men, 2026 (installation view, Nicoletti). Courtesy the artist and Nicoletti

Which London football team do you support? 

I'm going to say Arsenal, but I'm potentially a fair weather fan. 

London artist that's inspired you the most?

I went to Slade while Alvaro Barrington was there, and he's just really a lovely person. But I really admire and respect his relationship to his own work. 

Can you describe your show at London Gallery Weekend for us?

My show is called Bring Me Men. It's a starting point is the United States Air Force Academy, where my father actually went for 2 years. It’s enabled me to think freely about what it means to construct an identity and what makes a man, and what that means. I feel really excited about it. It’s definitely my most personal and emotional show so far.