Ronald Davis (b.1937) is an American abstract artist best known for his multi-dimensional geometric creations. Born in California, Davis' work embodies the West Coast aesthetic and spirit of using innovative techniques and materials.
As a young painter in the early 60's, Davis was strongly influenced by hard-edge geometric abstraction and Op Art. His works typically feature a three-dimensional geometric shape completed in hard-edge style with bright, bold color blocking.
Inspired by the use of linear perspective born during the Renaissance, Davis imbues his forms with the illusion of space. One of his signature approaches offers the viewer to look down into the "inside" of a shape.
During the time Davis was working as an artist in California, the"Light & Space" movement was blossoming on the West Coast. Like many of his contemporaries in Los Angeles in the 1960's and 70's Davis' practice embraced new materials and techniques. Acrylic paint or resin reinforced with fibreglass became two of his lifelong material signatures. His innovative choice of material helped amplify the illusionary/Op Art qualities of his work. Unquestionably Davis' aesthetic contains key elements of this movement, otherwise known as "California minimalism".
"Truncate" from 1967 is a paradigm of both the era and Davis' aesthetic. The viewer is presented a hard-edge geometric shape with the inside of the shape visible. The bold, acrylic painted color blocking emphasizes Davis' precise lines and linear perspective. His most iconic perspective is utilized here with the shapes top, inside, and sides visible; but not the back or underbelly of the work.
By 1965, Davis had established a national reputation, having his first solo show at the Nicholas Wilder Gallery on La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles.
Today Davis' works can be found in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Tate Gallery (London), Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the Art Institute of Chicago among many others.
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"Truncate"
USA, 1967
Signed, dated, and titled on label on verso
Acrylic on acetate
8.5”H 20”W
Very good condition.
