Study Sessions:
Damien Davis
Fri, Feb 2, 2018
7–8:30 pm
Floor 3, Hearst Artspace
Study Sessions is an ongoing event series inspired by Fred Moten and Stefano Harney’s notion of study as “what you do with other people.” For each Study Session, an artist, writer, or cultural worker selects a work of art on view in the Whitney’s permanent collection galleries as a departure point for thinking through an urgent question in our contemporary political landscape. Participants are invited to join together in open-ended discussions, and engage with creative practice. Study Sessions may take the form of workshops, listening parties, performances, readings, or film screenings. This session is led by Damien Davis.
Damien Davis is a Brooklyn-based artist. His practice explores historical representations of blackness by seeking to unpack the visual language of various cultures and question how these societies code/decode representations of race through design and digital modes of production. Davis’ recent solo presentations include White Room, METHOD Gallery, Seattle, WA (2017); MoMA PopRally Presents Arty Gras, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY (2017) and OBJECT | AFFECTION, Black Ball Projects, Brooklyn, NY (2016); His group exhibitions include Race and Revolution: Still Separate - Still Unequal, Smack Mellon, Brooklyn, NY (2017); The MYSYSYPYN, Nemeth Art Center, Park Rapids, MN (2017); The Magic Flute, 80WSE Gallery, New York, NY (2016); and ReSignifications, Biagiotti Progetto Arte, Florence, Italy (2015). His awards and residencies include Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Workspace Program, New York NY, (2016-17); The Art & Law Program Fellowship, New York NY, (Spring 2016); Prattsville Art Center residency, Prattsville, NY (2012); Rema Hort Mann Foundation, Community Engagement Grant Winner, New York, NY (2017); Art Matters, Foundation Grant Nominee, New York NY, (2016); and Rema Hort Mann Foundation, Emerging Artist Award Nominee, New York NY, (2016). Davis holds a B.F.A in Studio Art and an M.A in Visual Arts Administration from New York University.
Free with Museum admission during Pay-As-You-Wish Fridays. Pre-register to skip the line.
The main entrance of the Museum is accessible, with elevator access to all floors. ADA accessible, all gender bathrooms, are available on floors -1, 3, 5, and 8. If you have questions about accessibility, or requests for accommodations, please email accessfeedback@whitney.org or call (646) 666-5574 (relay calls welcome). Service animals welcome. Please come fragrance free.
Full Schedule
February 2, 2018
Damien Davis
March 9, 2018
Morgan Bassichis
April 13, 2018
Tuesday Smillie
May 4, 2018
Samantha Box, Ted Kerr, and Traci C. West
The Hearst Artspace and the Seminar Room are equipped with induction hearing loops and infrared assistive listening systems. Accessible seating is also available.
Learn more about access services and programs.