Robert Davis

Robert Davis’ abstract mixed media paintings strive to alter sensory perception of everyday materials, manipulating them upon a flat surface to challenge their chemical capabilities. Utilizing base substances such as wine, coffee, or cigarette ash upon burlap or canvas, he considers the Art Brut tradition grounded in Jean Debuffet’s work with similar materials. His compositions arise out of rubbing, brushing, pouring, and scratching his materials, endowing his works with a performative, gestural edge. He often integrates found materials and text to provide an accelerated rhythm to the works and encourage a direct consideration of consumption.

Davis has exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, DePaul Museum, Chicago, Apex Art, New York, The Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Kunstmuseum, Magdeburg, Germany, among others. He was awarded the Chicago Arcadia Grant in 2004 and 2007.