To the uninitiated, discussions about a work of art can seem alienating, with analysis hooked on dark, subliminal messages, or speculation on the political statement behind the piece, or perhaps some kind of bewilderingly meta commentary on the nature of art itself. But the work of Coco Dávez serves a different purpose entirely — you’ll find no themes of disenchanted youthful angst or rage against the system in her joyful pieces.
“Painting has always been a way for me to express myself,” she says. “I don’t think I consciously create work in order to make a statement — I seek to find harmony through colour.”
Accordingly, Dávez’s most recent collection, Faceless, is a vibrant testament to her passion for the brighter side of life, and pays tribute to her idols by way of a neorealistic style with a touch of pop. “I surround myself with the colours that best transmit energy and happiness; be it in the way that I dress, the spaces I decorate, or the work I make,” explains Dávez.
“Painting has always been a way for me to express myself...”
The striking technique has caught the eyes of some of today’s most prolific designers — and seen the artist collaborate with Dior, Prada, Bombay Sapphire and Netflix’s Stranger Things. “I love to experiment, I always have,” she says.
“I don’t feel constrained at all to stick to a particular medium, and that’s one of the things I love about being an artist. It’s good to switch things up and push yourself — it makes life far more exciting.”
At 30, Dávez has established herself in the canon of millennial artists changing the cultural landscape. Earlier this year, she made it onto the Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, and her solo exhibition ran at the Maddox Gallery in Mayfair.
“I don’t think I consciously create work in order to make a statement..."
Social media is of course crucial these days, and she believes that a platform such as Instagram has done much to break down boundaries: “It allows a new wave to get the attention they deserve,” she says, “and broadens and diversifies the audience.”
Dávez’ boldly coloured star looks set to reach even greater heights with a host of upcoming projects, and hints that she might even launch her own fashion brand (“a dream of mine for many years”). Whatever comes next for this polymathic creator, the future looks incredibly, unabashedly bright.
This Tastemakers interview was published in the June/July issue of Gentleman’s Journal. Get your copy here…
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