Al Davis shows future artists how to release their creativity. Now he has been given the chance to show his own creative efforts at the Art Museum of Bakersfield.
The Museum is featuring the art teacher in a two-month long exhibit entitled “Three Directions.” A large turnout of people attended the Sept . 19 opening. The cross-section of attendees included his fellow college professors, art students and friends.
The exhibit consists of about 30 paintings of three distinct styles. The bulk of which involve symbols often seen in Native American and Middle Eastern cultures. Davis weaves these cultural symbols with different animals and visuals often in a darker callet of colors to convey the culture they represent.
Another section of his paintings feature vibrant images of plants and animals seen in nature. They depict imagery from the foothills and mountains in the Kern County area. The natural elements also consist of flowing waterfalls and bright foliage that look to be moving with the wind.
Davis described the last style as “forced value.” These paintings involve colors superimposed over other colors, which in turn creates patterns and tapestries.
“They all have that feeling of woven type material,” Davis said, “even though they are of course canvas and paint.”
“It’s Realist, but abstract realism,” Museum curator Emily Falke, who put together the exhibit, “His art spans such a large dimention.
“I think he has a very diverse way of painting,” said Bob King, who attended the opening. “He pretty much covers the whole waterfront.”
Christen Dillbohner, another artist whos work is on display at the museum, described Davis’ art as both animal and spiritual. “I enjoy looking at the work a lot.”
Al Davis has been involved in art for the last 40 years and has taught at Bakersfield College since 1971. He typically exhibits his art once a year in locations such as British Columbia, Portland and Seattle. Although this group of paintings has been shown before, this is the first time they have been displayed in the Bakersfield area.
His works are on display and can be seen by the public at the Art Museum of Bakersfield until Nov 19.