Interlude(s): WILLIS “BING” DAVIS
The visual legacy and scholarship of artist and educator Willis “Bing” Davis reflects on his African ancestry and the value of giving back to future generations.
July 21, 2021
Photography by Shon Curtis
Videography by Kameron Davis
Artist Willis “Bing” Davis at his studio in Dayton, Ohio. Image by Shon Curtis for Black Artist Research Space, Inc. 2021
“I have never let anyone define me as a painter, or sculptor, or craftsperson. I say I make things”
If you ask Willis “Bing” Davis about his art practice over the last 60 years he’ll tell you that he “makes things.” Now at 84 years of age, the art veteran discusses the influence of learning his African ancestry had on his life and how it continues to impact his art practice today, further revealing the personal value of giving back to future generations of Black artists.
Willis “Bing” Davis was born in Greer, South Carolina in 1937 and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He is a proud product of Dayton Public Schools and a graduate of Depauw University. For more than 60 years Davis has served as an educator, artist, mentor, activist, director, curator, among other creative roles for projects such as Willis Bing Davis Art Studio, EbonNia Gallery, and Shango: Center for African American Art and Culture.
Watch Interlude(s) Ep. 03: Willis “Bing” Davis” to learn more.
This Interlude(s) episode was directed by and features the work of Willis “Bing” Davis students, photographer Shon Curtis, cinematographer and editor Kameron Davis, as well as BARS co-founder Rhea Beckett.
To learn more about Willis “Bing” Davis please visit https://www.bingdavisartstudio.org/
To learn more about Shon Curtis please visit https://www.shoncurtis.com/
To learn more about Kameron Davis please visit https://www.junebugg.gallery/