Collagist Max Davis returns to Bengaluru after a gap of 14 years

If you are a collagist, it is generally accepted that any material can be ground in your mill. And like any work of creative expression, what makes it different depends on the eye of the beholder. Or, in other words, its appeal and relevance.

With Third Time ‘Round, Belgaum-based collagist Max Davis is exhibiting his works after a gap of 14 years. The show is directed by Sunil Murthy, a former journalist and longtime acquaintance of Max, who says the artiste draws inspiration from a variety of sources.

“Max is constantly combing through piles of old magazines and comic books, scouring markets and bookstores, trusting his intuition to choose images that “speak” to him. Because of the sepia-stained nature and texture of the pages in old books, he sometimes uses thread, stamps, and pieces of film, but it is usually paper on cardboard and thick paper and Has shiny pages. “

According to Sunil, what distinguishes Max’s work from most collages is its “pictorial quality” and he says this is achieved by his sense of proportion. “While many view collaging as a slapdash affair, Max’s focus is on shape, color, material and background, resulting in images that appear as a harmonious whole.”

A Collage by Max Davis Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“He’s got a light touch and he knows when to stop. Sometimes it’s just an image, but he has the sensitivity to put it in the right place.”

A fan of film noir and the musical style of The Rolling Stones and their contemporaries, Max is well-read and his compositions reflect “visual puns as well as allusions to folk stories and songs”.

Sunil says that although the artist is not religious, his inclusion of Christian imagery is purely aesthetic. “The quality and colors of the Russian symbols are jewel-like, and as mentioned earlier, Max works from his inner feeling. As a result, his works capture your attention with their witty, cheeky features.”

forever young

Sunil recalls Suze Rotolo’s appearance in Martin Scorsese’s documentary film, No Direction Home: Bob Dylan, And being moved by her patience, vulnerability and charm. Although they were together for a short time, Suze, an artist in her own right, has been recognized as a driving force during Dylan’s formative years.

A Collage by Max Davis Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Suddenly, Sunil wrote to his gallery after seeing some of his art online, and in his email, he sent him photos of Max’s work. “I never expected her to respond, but she did. It was a lovely note thanking me for appreciating her work and it included her comments on Max’s style.”

Impressed by her reply, Sunil says he was deeply moved by her death the following year. Both he and Max felt that the next show would be one to remember. Now, nearly 14 years later, that tenuous connection is one of the reasons why many of the pieces featured in Third Time ‘Round are based on several of Dylan’s artworks.

‘Round’ by Max Davis will be on display for the third time at the DYU Art Café until 2 November, and will transfer to the Abstract Art Gallery from 5 November.