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Ronald Davis Biography
Ronald "Ron" Davis, born on June 29, 1937, in Santa Monica, California, is a distinguished American painter renowned for his contributions to geometric abstraction, abstract illusionism, lyrical abstraction, hard-edge painting, shaped canvas painting, color field painting, and 3D computer graphics. His innovative approach to art, characterized by a blend of technical precision and creative exploration, has positioned him as a pivotal figure in the post-painterly abstraction movement and beyond.
Raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Davis's journey into the world of art began at a relatively mature age. After attending the University of Wyoming during 1955-56, he worked as a sheet metal mechanic from 1957 to 1959. It was not until the age of 22, in 1959, that Davis found his calling as a painter. This revelation led him to the San Francisco Art Institute, where he studied painting from 1960 to 1964. During this formative period, Davis was influenced by abstract expressionism, the prevailing artistic movement of the time, which would continue to inform his work in the years to come.
Davis's early career was marked by rapid development and recognition. In 1962, he was a grantee of the Yale-Norfolk Summer School of Music and Art, a testament to his emerging talent. By 1963, his work had evolved into a hard-edged, geometric, and optical style, signaling a departure from abstract expressionism towards a more structured form of expression. This transition was well-received, and by 1964, Davis's paintings were being showcased in prestigious museums and galleries.
The mid to late 1960s were a period of significant achievement for Davis. He moved to Los Angeles and had his first one-man show at the Nicholas Wilder Gallery in 1965. The following year, he began creating his iconic geometric shaped illusionistic paintings using colored polyester resins and fiberglass, a technique that became synonymous with his name. These works, including the Slab Series and the Dodecagon Series, were celebrated for their innovative use of materials and illusionistic depth. Davis's reputation continued to grow, culminating in solo shows at the Tibor de Nagy Gallery and Leo Castelli in New York, and his inclusion in major international exhibitions.
In addition to his painting, Davis explored sound sculpture and electronic music composition in the early 1970s, further demonstrating his versatility as an artist. His collaboration with architect Frank Gehry on the design of his studio/residence in Malibu, California, is another highlight of his career, showcasing his interest in blending art with architecture.
Davis's work has been acquired by several major institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate Gallery, London, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, San Francisco Museum of Art, and the Chicago Art Institute. His contributions to the art world have been recognized with numerous awards, including a National Endowment for the Arts grant in 1968.
In the later stages of his career, Davis continued to innovate, embracing digital technology to create 3D computer graphics and digital paintings. His Pixeldust series, initiated after recovering from a life-threatening illness, reflects his ongoing engagement with geometric concepts and new technologies.
Now residing in Arroyo Hondo on the outskirts of Taos, New Mexico, Davis remains an active and influential figure in the art world. His work, spanning over seven decades, encapsulates a relentless pursuit of artistic evolution and a deep commitment to exploring the boundaries of visual expression. Ronald Davis's legacy is not only in the stunning array of artworks he has created but also in his ability to continually reinvent and challenge the conventions of abstract art.
Ronald Davis Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
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professionalism.
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