Barbican Celebrates Noah Davis with 50 Iconic Works
Seminal pieces that explore the complexities of Black life.
An upcoming retrospective at the Barbican, running from February 6 to May 11, honors the late Noah Davis, highlighting his contributions as one of the most original figurative painters of recent years. Based in Los Angeles, Davis created a body of work that explores the complexities of Black life, blending realism with dreamlike imagery.
Driven by a desire to represent those around him, Davis painted everyday scenes—figures diving into pools, dancing, or viewing art—imbued with both joy and melancholy. Drawing from photography, personal archives, film, art history, and imagination, his enigmatic paintings reflect a profound sensitivity to humanity.
In 2012, Davis co-founded The Underground Museum in Arlington Heights, Los Angeles, to provide free access to world-class art. The Barbican exhibition will feature over 50 works spanning painting, sculpture, curatorial projects, and community-building, celebrating Davis’ legacy from 2007 until his untimely passing in 2015.
Barbican Centre
Silk St, City of London
London EC2Y 8DS, United Kingdom
