5: JAMES G. DAVIS (BORN 1931) OIL ON PANEL

James Granberry Davis (Born 1931)
(Circa 1960.)
Signed upper right.

Fueled somewhat by the Cold War spending of the mid 20th century, Wichita, Kansas came of post-war age in a period of evolution that saw establishment of its first art galleries dedicated to the work living artists. The founders of these galleries, abstractionists one and all, were the young Turks of the Wichita art scene eager to see their city on par with the rest of the nation. Among them was James Granberry Davis, co-founder of Bottega Gallery. Following the tracks made by IndeX Gallery in the 1950s, Bottega represented local artists exploring the mid-20th century period of abstraction that the Wichita Eagle predicted, ...'will not be everyone's cup of tea.' Though short-lived, their efforts are not without legacy.

This work comes from the early years of the group when Davis' paintings were hung as the inaugural show at Bottega Gallery. James Davis went on to teach at the University of Missouri and the University of Arizona. His works are held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Hershorn Museum and the National Gallery in Washington D.C.
Masonite panel measures 18 x 23 inches, frame is 18.5 x 23.5 inches.
Very good original untouched condition. There are no issues of major scratches, losses, repairs, in-painting or touch-up.
Provenance: Estate of David Cale, Bottega Gallery (Wichita, 1959-1962).
$300 - $500