Gene Davis

United States of America (USA), 1920 - 1985

BiographyDavis's formal instruction in art was limited to the drawing classes he took in high school. From 1939 to 1968, by 1949 Davis had begun to paint seriously. He has said that visiting The Phillips Collection was one of the strongest influences on him. He became involved in the Washington art scene in 1950 when he met noted Washington artist and curator, Jacob Kainen. Davis' first solo exhibitions were held in 1952 at the Dupont Theater Gallery. In 1969, Davis began teaching art at the Corcoran School of Art and Design, followed by stints at American University, Skidmore College, and the University of Virginia. Like the other members of the Washington Color School, Davis considered color a primary element in painting, though he worked in a variety of media and styles, oil, acrylic, video and collage. For his technique, Davis was indebted to both Louis and Noland, both of whom were involved with the New York art world, particularly through the influential critic, Clement Greenberg.

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