Marietta, GA – Miles Davis, longtime resident of Atlanta and mid-career artist is pleased to announce his debut solo museum exhibition at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art located at 30 Atlanta Street in downtown Marietta, GA. Vibrant Shadows will be on exhibit from April 9 through June 19, 2022. A public opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 6-8 PM. Admission is free for members of the Museum and $10 for guests with light refreshments and a cash bar. MCMA will host a separate artist talk on Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 2-4 PM in which the artist will welcome questions from the audience. All are welcome.

Madeline Beck, curator at the Museum, worked with Davis to compose over 30 original acrylic and mixed media paintings for this exhibition, including new paintings created during the COVID pandemic along with other studio works and paintings on loan from private collectors. In this exhibition, Davis explores a variety of subject matter, often drawing connections between spirituality and science, life and death, and approaching the subjects with a fresh aesthetic that aligns with neosurrealism, a modern day subgenre of surrealism, melding styles inspired by comics, video games, and graffiti reminiscent of his youth.

“My goal for this exhibition is to encourage younger audiences and those without any art education or background to engage in contemporary fine art,” Davis notes. “I want to show that museum art doesn’t have to be unapproachable or traditional. My paintings seek to tackle sensitive subjects in a way that’s fresh, vibrant, and real. I want my work to evoke a conversation.”

Beck adds, “Though his work displays elements that subvert, challenge, or even poke fun at artistic or societal conventions, his paintings are universally accessible with their vibrant colors, relatable subject matter, and keen sense of composition.”

Known as an “artist’s artist,” Davis paints subjects that are close to his heart and resonate with his peers. Often laced with skulls and dramatic lighting, his thought-provoking and somewhat provocative paintings are far removed from the more traditional or abstract work often on display in private homes and offices. “I don’t paint vertical furniture,” explains Davis. “My work isn’t meant to complement your sofa. My work belongs in museums and galleries or with art collectors who can appreciate the meaning behind the canvas, not just the colors or composition. My goal is to connect with art enthusiasts who feel something when they see my work. When someone stops in front of a painting, stands there exploring it, getting lost in it, seeing themselves in it – that’s when I know I’ve done my job.”

A longtime Atlanta resident and active arts advocate, Davis has served as Director at Large for the South Cobb Arts Alliance and on the inaugural board of ambassadors for the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. He has taught public and private art lessons to adults and children in the metro Atlanta area since 2010 including the Mable House Arts Center in Mableton and Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta. Outside of the metro Atlanta area, Miles Davis has exhibited his works both nationally and abroad including exhibitions in New York City as well as Miami during Art Basel Miami Week, and internationally in Milan, Italy.

“I am grateful for the opportunity that Madeline Beck has provided me and to MCMA for hosting this exhibition,” mentions Davis. “I’m encouraged by the growing support of the art community, and I look forward to further elevating my art in the years ahead.” 

For more information about the Vibrant Shadows exhibition, visit massiveburn.com online or @massiveburn on Instagram and Facebook. To schedule an interview with the artist, contact us.