Craig Davison is an artist who has carved out a distinctive niche in the realm of contemporary art.
His mastery lies in his ability to capture the fleeting nature of childhood, employing a unique approach that imbues his work with an undeniable emotional resonance. Most notable in his portfolio are his iconic 'shadows' artworks, captivating pieces such as 'Quickly, To The Bat Cave' and 'A Few Quavers More' which sold out almost instantly due to their nostalgic allure.
Shadows of a Bygone Era
The 'shadows' series stands as a testament to Davison's unparalleled storytelling prowess. His subjects are children at play, deeply engrossed in their own worlds of make-believe. What sets these pieces apart is the clever inclusion of a shadow behind each child, a silhouette representing their childhood hero. This artistic technique speaks to the powerful role of imagination in a child's life, where a mere stick becomes Excalibur and a simple scarf transforms into a superhero cape.
His most sought-after pieces 'Quickly, To The Bat Cave' and 'A Few Quavers More' encapsulate this philosophy perfectly. 'Quickly, To The Bat Cave' portrays a child running with a cape flowing behind him, his shadow transforming into the iconic figure of Batman. On the other hand, 'A Few Quavers More' depicts a child using a stick as a gun, his shadow morphing into a cowboy reminiscent of Clint Eastwood's character in the classic spaghetti western.
Davison's Signature Style
Davison's art stands out for its distinct muted colour palette, primarily composed of varying shades of browns and beiges. This choice of colours does not just add a vintage feel to his pieces but also makes the shadows, usually crafted in bold blacks, stand out significantly.
His early work is a testament to his skill at creating a visual narrative using these subdued hues. They lend a softness to the scenes he depicts, a characteristic contrast to the bold adventures taking place in the children's imaginations. This contrast beautifully captures the dual reality of a child's world, where fantasy and reality seamlessly intertwine.
Return to Origins: Davison's Latest Collection
Davison's latest collection heralds a return to his early inspirations, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. It includes four new titles: ‘Terminator Too’, ‘Lad of Steel’, ‘Does Whatever a Spider Can’ and ‘Double Dare’. This new collection resonates with the same charm that first propelled him to fame.
‘Terminator Too’
In 'Terminator Too', Davison expertly captures a child's fantasy of being an invincible robot from the future. The artwork features two children striking a pose with their shadow projecting the unmistakable silhouette of the Terminator, injecting the piece with an infectious sense of adventure.
‘Lad of Steel’
The 'Lad of Steel' features a child pretending to take flight with a makeshift cape, his shadow revealing the legendary figure of Superman. The artwork is a brilliant testament to the boundless nature of a child's imagination, where they are not just playing but living their dreams.
‘Does Whatever a Spider Can’
In 'Does Whatever a Spider Can', Davison portrays a child seemingly scaling a wall, their shadow morphing into the well-loved web-slinger, Spiderman. The artwork perfectly encapsulates the spirit of every child's dream to possess superhero abilities and conquer their world.
‘Double Dare’
In 'Double Dare', Davison continues his Riot Girl series with another fierce limited edition. The work continues the story of the hit piece, Dare.
Available at Artmarket Gallery East Yorkshire
These new pieces have been created as oil paintings on canvas, reflecting Davison's ability to manipulate this traditional medium to create artworks that are contemporary and relatable. Moreover, they are also published as bespoke limited editions, exclusively available through the Artmarket Gallery in East Yorkshire.
The combination of Davison's artistic prowess and his deeply touching themes has resulted in pieces that not only reflect our childhood memories but also become valuable additions to art collections worldwide.
Craig Davison: The Master of Nostalgia
Davison's ability to capture the spirit of childhood, with its mix of simplicity, excitement, and limitless imagination, continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. By juxtaposing the simple innocence of childhood with the heroic personas of their imagination, he creates a unique, captivating narrative.
His works, especially those featuring his signature 'shadows' and his latest collection, are not just art pieces—they are time machines transporting us back to the halcyon days of our youth, back when we were all superheroes in our own right.