Ephemeral and Timeless
Table of Contents
Life and Art
* Raised in Seattle, Noah Davis was born in 1983
* Studied at the Cooper Union School of Art in New York
* Relocated to Los Angeles in 2004
* Had his first solo show in 2008
* Met and married Karon Vereen in 2008
* Had a son, Moses, in 2010
* Rented four storefronts along Washington Blvd. in Arlington Heights and converted them into the Underground Museum in 2012
* Died of a rare cancer at the age of 32
Noah Davis, the enigmatic and talented artist, left an indelible mark on the art world with his remarkable body of work, despite being cut short in his career. Born in 1983 in Seattle, Davis was a visionary artist who left behind a staggering number of paintings, works on paper, and sculptures, many of which are remarkable in their own right.
A Visionary Artist
* Created hundreds of paintings, works on paper, and sculptures
* Depicted people in a non-traditional portrait style
* Used casual snapshots as inspiration for many of his works
* Focused on depicting African Americans in normal, everyday scenarios
* Confronted racial issues, but chose not to push an agenda
Davis’s decision not to focus on racial or gender politics in his work was a deliberate choice, one that allowed the viewer to focus on the quality of the art rather than being pulled away by an agenda. By depicting African Americans in normal, everyday scenarios, Davis aimed to humanize his subjects and break down stereotypes.
Key Works
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- “Painting for My Dad” (2011)
- “Seventy Works” (2014)
- “Pueblo del Rio” series (2014-2015)
- “Congo” series (2015)
These works showcase Davis’s remarkable talent and his ability to create beautiful, captivating art. From the intimate and emotional “Painting for My Dad” to the vibrant and dynamic “Seventy Works” and the hauntingly beautiful “Pueblo del Rio” series, Davis’s art is a testament to his boundless creativity and skill.
Technical Skill and Artistic Sensibility
* Created large-format oil paintings that balance vigor and grace
* Demonstrated a strong, sure hand and a gentle craftsman’s touch
* Utilized a creamy and saturated application of color
* Showcased a keen eye for composition and color balance
Davis’s technical skill and artistic sensibility are evident in his use of large-format oil paintings, which showcase a fine balance between vigor and grace. His ability to create beautiful, captivating art is a testament to his boundless creativity and skill.
A Legacy Cut Short
* Died of a rare cancer at the age of 32
* Left behind a legacy of hundreds of paintings, works on paper, and sculptures
* The Underground Museum, which he co-founded, continues to thrive
Despite being cut short in his career, Davis’s legacy lives on through his art. The Underground Museum, which he co-founded, continues to thrive and serve as a testament to his boundless creativity and vision.
A Catalogue Worth Reading
* Edited by Wells Fray-Smith, Paola Malavassi, and Eleanor Nairne
* Features essays by various authors
* Includes works that delve into topics of race and inequality
The catalogue accompanying the exhibition is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Davis’s art and legacy. While some of the essays may be more political than others, they provide valuable insights into Davis’s work and its significance.
Conclusion
Noah Davis’s remarkable body of work continues to captivate and inspire audiences, despite being cut short in his career. His art is a testament to his boundless creativity and skill, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come. As we reflect on his life and art, we are reminded of the importance of talent, hard work, and a keen eye for beauty.