Dexter Davis
Tree of Life; Ritual/Birth Series 1-3
Artifact of interactive sculpture; Red Oak and wooden painted pegs; Unique prints, framed - signed, dated version, 2022
ABOUT THE artist
“When a dead thing was buried under the tree, it would grow into the tree and become part of its spirit. I felt that the spirit of these things would still exist in nature.”
-Dexter Davis; excerpt from Dexter Davis: A Portrait
Inspired by ritual African Minkisi power figures, Tree of Life asked viewers to select a rod in either black, white, red, yellow, or blue, connect the chosen object with an impactful memory or intention, then place the rod into the log’s drilled holes or cracks. Over the course of the exhibition, the logged trees accumulated memories and “life force,” connecting the many who engaged with this artwork; an affirmation of our collective existence.