Alonzo Davis: A Visionary Artist
Alonzo Davis, a pioneering figure in the world of art and the founder of one of America’s first Black-owned galleries, has died at 82.
His family and colleagues at Parrasch Heijnen Gallery in Los Angeles announced his passing on January 27.
Davis was known for his eclectic artistic style, which spanned prints, paintings, installations, and performances.
His global experiences—drawing inspiration from regions like the Southwest U.S., Brazil, Haiti, and West Africa—greatly shaped his creative output.
He often reflected on how the vivid colors and dynamic rhythms of Southern California, where he lived for 30 years, fueled his work.
In more recent years, his art increasingly intersected with social justice themes and the urgent realities of the climate crisis, merging creativity with activism.
Founding the Brockman Gallery
Born in 1942 in Tuskegee, Alabama, Davis built his artistic credentials beginning with a Bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University in 1964, followed by a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles.
His involvement in the historic James Meredith March of 1966—an intensive journey from Memphis to Jackson over 21 days—deeply influenced his perspectives on art and advocacy.
This experience awakened him to the powerful voice artists of color could wield in society.
In 1967, alongside his brother, Dale Brockman Davis, Alonzo founded the Brockman Gallery in Los Angeles, recognized as one of the significant Black-owned contemporary art spaces in the nation.
This gallery served as a vital platform for highlighting the stories and talents of Black artists during a time when such narratives were often overlooked.
With a mission to amplify underrepresented voices, Brockman Gallery showcased transformative exhibitions featuring renowned artists like David Hammons, Kerry James Marshall, and Carrie Mae Weems, leaving a lasting impact before its closure in 1990.
Legacy and Recognition
Located in Leimert Park, a thriving cultural center for the African American community, the gallery was named in honor of the brothers’ cherished grandmother.
It evolved into a multifunctional hub that included art studios and living spaces, cementing itself as a cornerstone of community engagement.
While many associate Davis primarily with Brockman Gallery, his artistic endeavors reached prestigious venues early in his career.
Notable displays of his work took place at the acclaimed Studio Museum in Harlem and Just Above Midtown Gallery in New York City.
Davis’s contributions to the art world were further recognized in the influential exhibition “Now Dig This! Art and Black Los Angeles, 1960-1980,” showcased at the Hammer Museum in 2011, which subsequently traveled to MoMA PS1 and the Williams College Museum of Art.
On February 8, a solo exhibition celebrating his artistic legacy will open at Parrasch Heijnen, honoring the profound impact he had on contemporary art.
Remembered not only for his remarkable artistic abilities, Alonzo Davis will also be cherished for his relentless dedication to elevating Black voices in the arts, inspiring future generations to pursue their own creative paths.