Miles Davis in Liverpool
Original Paintings and Drawings by the Jazz Legend
Thursday 12th June – ENDS Sunday 15th June 2008
A unique final collection of drawings and oil paintings by the late Miles Davis, a man considered by many to be the world’s greatest jazz musician, will be showcased for the first time in Liverpool
Hosted by Balmain Fine Art, who acquired this private collection from Jo Gelbard, his sculptress girlfriend during the last five years of his life, Miles Davis in Liverpool will run until Sunday 15th June 2008.
Over the years Davis increasingly turned to art to expand his creativity, speaking many times of the importance of it within the framework of his career. He established himself as an immensely accomplished painter and fine draughtsman of high technical ability and developed a parallel career as a much-admired artist, popular with both private collectors as well as his own musical fan base. Bold and vibrant canvases full of colour and movement together with the exciting flowing lines of Davis’ harnessed a unique talent reflecting the constant changing moods and tempos of his musical compositions.
Comprising of original drawings and oil paintings, Miles Davis in Liverpool is a kaleidoscope of images, illustrating in detail Miles’ interpretation of form, colour and movement and in particular his well documented fascination with and love of women, his interest with the visuals of the science fiction world, evocations of African tribal art along with reflections of the resonance and variety of his recorded work. This exhibition creates a tapestry of light, colour and movement.
Born in Alton, Illinois in 1926, Miles Davis was inspired to become a musician in the 1940s, receiving first hand education from Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker. The pioneer of the cool jazz era, Miles became a world famous innovator and his work on albums such as Bitches Brew and Sketches of Spain influenced generations of musicians.
In 1980 Miles began to focus his talent in a new direction and started seeking expression not just through music but also through visual art. Following a stroke in 1982, Miles Davis, dark master of the trumpet and innovator extraordinaire, increasingly turned to his art. This work, although seen in a couple of exhibitions in his lifetime has, since his death, been largely under wraps with only a handful of one-off shows showcasing these fabulous works.
The majority of work contained in the forthcoming exhibition was inspired by his girlfriend, Jo Gelbard, a sculptress with whom he spent the last five years of his life. Well known celebrities such as Prince, Phil Collins and Diana Ross now own work from previous collections and the Whitney Museum now hold one of his works in their permanent collection.
Miles Davis in Liverpool – Original Drawings by the Jazz Legend takes place at Static, 23 Roscoe Lane, Liverpool, L1 9JD between Thursday 12th June – Sunday 15th June 2008.
All of the works will be for sale.