On Monday, March 2, art enthusiasts have the opportunity to attend an exclusive talk featuring artist and Hyperallergic writer Damien Davis, renowned for his critical examinations of the art world’s power dynamics and inequities. Davis’s unique perspective, shaped by his artistic endeavors that investigate intricate histories and cultural symbols, enriches his critical essays. His contributions to Hyperallergic have ignited important discussions on key issues such as the exploitative ‘tokenization’ of Black and queer artists, the inequitable 50/50 gallery profit split, and the disparity between high-profile auction spectacles and the everyday challenges of working artists.
In this event, Davis will engage in a conversation with Hyperallergic’s Editor-in-Chief, Hakim Bishara. This session promises Hyperallergic Members a chance to delve into the core themes of Davis’s recent writings, exploring both individual experiences and collective histories that shape his perspective. The discussion aims to identify tangible actions for promoting a fairer and more transparent art ecosystem. This talk is organized exclusively for Hyperallergic Members.
Damien Davis, originally from Crowley, Louisiana, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, is currently based in Newark. As an artist and educator, he uses a distinctive visual language to explore cultural identity and representation, reinterpreting symbols from various cultures to challenge historical narratives. His work has been displayed at major institutions including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Davis holds a BFA in Studio Art and an MA in Visual Arts Administration from New York University and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and Frieze magazine.
Hakim Bishara, the Editor-in-Chief of Hyperallergic, will moderate the discussion. Bishara, a recipient of the 2019 Andy Warhol Foundation and Creative Capital Arts Writers Grant, earned his MFA in Art Writing from the School of Visual Arts in New York. For inquiries, contact support@hyperallergic.com.