More Education is a handsome and timely solo exhibition/exploration of diverse elements and ideas that have informed Portland artist Jeremy Okai Davis to be the person he is today. Davis creates paintings that are both personal and engaging through multi-layered subject matter that invites further investigation.
PJ & Spree, 2016, Acrylic on panel, 12 x 10 inches and ABA, 1977, 2016, Acrylic on panel, 12 x 10 inches
Utilizing concepts from popular culture and incorporating imagery from family photos in his paintings, Davis successfully converges complex themes that are also a pleasure to view.
Untitled (Black), 2017, Acrylic and pumice on panel, 40 x 30 inches
With this incredible body of work on display through September 29th of 2019 within fourteen Concourse A display cases post-security, Davis has added three dimensional found wood elements that further push the themes of his paintings.
Claims, 2017, Acrylic and found wood on canvas wrapped panel, 24 x 24 inches
The angled structures are an attempt to bring the viewer closer to the paintings as they enter space in a different way, creating a new and unexpected visual experience.
Ma, Jon, & Julie, 2017, Acrylic and found wood on panel, 40 x 30 inches
The work focuses primarily on me as an African American, artist, son, brother and friend. Thematically these paintings touch on my personal history as it relates to popular culture – from art, sports, and literature. They also attempt to address the current climate in the United States for African Americans and people of color. —Jeremy Okai Davis
Olympic, 2017, Acrylic on panel, 40 x 30 inches
Jeremy Okai Davis’ color use and fidelity to his subjects make the work feel alive, but without being too literal.
Required Reading, 2016, Acrylic and glitter on canvas, 12 x 12 inches
The work’s impression is quite light at first glance, but on closer examination of text and posture the work is full of conflict, an exploration of the contrast between the shiny, smiling exterior that is frequently presented on the surface and the inner, self-conscious, status-obsessed mind state that so many of us endure beneath it all.
Ebony, 2017, Acrylic and pumice on panel, 40 x 30 inches
Jeremy Okai Davis was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and received a BFA in Painting from UNC-Charlotte. After a few years of trying to push through the North Carolina art scene, Davis relocated to Portland, Oregon in 2007. Davis splits his time as a professional graphic designer and as a professional fine artist. He has also illustrated for American Songwriter Magazine and has produced artwork for several recording artists.
Untitled (White), 2017, Acrylic and pumice on panel, 40 x 30 inches
Davis’ work has shown locally and nationally in Los Angeles, Seattle, Nashville and at the famed Studio Museum of Harlem in New York City. He has permanent installations of his work in the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center at Oregon State University and recently installed six large-scale paintings in the University of Oregon’s Allen Hall.
Messenger (For Art Blakely), 2018, Acrylic on panel and found wood, 24 x24 inches
jeremyokaidavis.com
Instagram: @jeremyokaiart
For inquiries and additional information on More Education, please contact the artist at jeremyokai@gmail.com.
