Roel Daves

R. D. Daves III was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his B.F.A. from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia and his M.F.A. from Georgia State University. Daves paints and teaches visual arts as an adjunct professor at both Georgia State and the Atlanta College of Art. Sorting through the layers of meaning in Daves' art leaves you feeling like an archaeologist. On the surface, the vivid colours and lively representations engage the most casual viewers, even those left cold by more abstract contemporary art. Those with a background in art history will recognise motifs from many artistic traditions, from ancient religions of the Congo to today's graffiti art. Daves intersperses symbols from his private life with images that tap into collective memories of childhood to explore universal themes of nostalgia, homage and balance.