Ianthe 1969

Gene Davis, a Washington, D.C. based artist, created "Ianthe" using vertical stripes of color, a style that became his signature. Davis emerged during the Civil Rights Movement, a time of intense social and political change. "Ianthe," with its vibrant and rhythmic composition, offers an interesting counterpoint to the monochrome and hard-edged abstraction that was popular at the time. The stripes, each with its own distinct hue and width, could be seen as representing the diversity of individuals coming together. Davis himself said "Color is delicious... but it can be destructive." While the artwork may seem purely formal, it’s impossible to ignore its emotional impact. The stripes create a sense of movement and energy, inviting the viewer to engage with the painting on a visceral level. Davis disrupts the traditional art world narrative, offering a more inclusive vision of what art can be.