In this episode, Eric speaks with artist, gallerist, teacher & advocate Alonzo Davis; where they discuss Davis’ childhood; growing up in a community of educators near Tuskeege University campus in Alabama, to moving to Los Angeles as a teen… his education in the arts and a life changing road trip that he took with is brother, Dale where they visited with various artists of color around the United States.. which eventually inspired them to open the iconic Brockman Gallery in Leimert park with a mission of spotlighting artists that had been overlooked. They discuss the challenges the Davis brothers faced in making the gallery a reality, the artwork that they displayed, famous visitors and the impact that it had on the community. They discuss Davis’ journey as a teacher, mentor and his commitment to his art practice.. his most recent works and upcoming shows.
Guest Bio: Alonzo J. Davis’ career as an artist spans four decades. A native of Tuskegee, Alabama, Davis moved with his family to Los Angeles in his early teens. After acquiring an undergraduate degree at Pepperdine College he earned an MFA in Printmaking and Design at Otis Art Institute. Influenced early on by the assemblagists, Davis soon took wing and began to experiment with a variety of mediums, techniques and themes. At the suggestion of artist and former professor, Charles White, Davis began to produce prints and paintings in series. While he was inspired by travel to Africa, the Caribbean and American Southwest—the colors and patterns of the Pacific Rim cultures also seeped into Davis’ artwork. During the ‘70’s and early ‘80’s, Davis’ involvement in the California mural movement culminated with the 1984 Olympic Murals project. His Eye on ’84 is one of ten murals on the walls of the downtown Los Angeles Harbor Freeway.
