The painting "White and Naked," a striking 153cm x 92cm acrylic on canvas, exemplifies Davis's unique style, which melds various influences into a cohesive visual experience. Influenced by the likes of Wassily Kandinsky’s abstract vibrancy, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s raw, emotive figuration, Pablo Picasso’s revolutionary forms, and the spiritual symbolism of African tribal art, Davis’s painting is a cultural and artistic amalgamation.
Davis’s paintings often explore themes of human figures and faces, and "White and Naked" is a prime example of this focus. The work delves into the essence of human vulnerability and identity, rendered in a style that is both abstract and deeply personal. This exploration mirrors his musical inquiries into the depths of human emotion through sound, making his artworks resonate with the same intensity as his music.
"White and Naked" has not only adorned gallery walls but has also been featured in prominent literature. The painting is highlighted in "The Art of Miles Davis" by Scott Gutterman, Deputy Director and Chief Operation Officer of the Neue Galerie in New York, and has appeared in various exhibition booklets. The piece was also once part of the collection of Dire Straits star John Illsley, another musical genius with a passion and talent for painting.
Miles Davis’s journey through the visual arts is a remarkable reminder of his versatile genius. "White and Naked" stands as a profound piece that bridges the worlds of audible jazz and visual expression, offering an insight into the soul of an artist who never ceased to explore and innovate.
The piece holds an estimate of £8,000 - £10,000 and will be sold alongside 150 other lots in our Fine & Affordable Art Sale, taking place at Duggleby Stephenson of York on the 10th May. Advanced bids are now being invited.