Based in Sydney, Australian artist Paul Davies creates atmospheric paintings which draw heavily upon American and Australian modern architecture. The paintings are part-stylised, whilst also featuring more abstract painterly motifs, resulting in a thoroughly compelling, contemporary style. The artist’s latest series of works feature the use of delicate hand-cut paper stencils that provide a perspective, content and detail within a painterly abstract environment.
Key to the success of Davies’ work is attention to detail and site studies. Recently the artists made a study exploration in California, allowing him to focus on American Modernist architecture and its profound influence on Australian Modernist design. Davies’ research tour included visits to the homes of Schindler and Eames in Los Angeles where both architects experimented in new ways of appreciating America’s west coast environment. Among other homes, Davies visited Richard Neutra’s iconic Kauffman House and Frank Sinatra’s infamous holiday retreat in Palm Springs. These 1940s and 1950s buildings are the protagonists in Davies paintings and remain vacant of people to reinforce the original concept of its architecture. Further, by allowing the scene to remain uninhabited, the artist creates a sense of foreboding or surrealist overtones, encouraging the viewer to conjure up their own scenarios within the composition.
Davies work looks at both the restored and forgotten modernist buildings in a way relevant to today rather than isolating them in their time. In creating this unique style of landscape painting, Paul Davies sights inspiration from some of the world's greatest living artists such as Peter Doig, David Hockney and David Schnell.
Over the past three years Davies has been commissioned by government and private clients including BYL Companies Philadelphia U.S.A., Historic Houses Trust Australia and Wilson & Hill Architects New Zealand to interpret particular iconic Modernist buildings across America and other countries. Davies has had several highly successful solo exhibitions in Australia since 2004 and 2009/10 saw his first solo shows in Hong Kong, London and L.A. His work has been exhibited in several International Art Fairs including Australia, London, New York and Hong Kong. Recent publications include Art & Australia, Art World, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Belle, Wish, and Inside Out.
