Portraits Reignite Forgotten Histories and Spark Dialogue

Jeremy Okai Davis is an incredibly busy man. Between his full-time day job working as a graphic designer and illustrator here at Active Media, his full-time 24/7 job of being a good companion to his partner and proud father of two, and his full-time artistic endeavors (which involve deadlines for both ongoing and upcoming shows), it’s a wonder he finds any time for rest, let alone relaxation. You would think that something would have to give, but for Jeremy, expressing himself artistically is as integral as breathing. Without it, he is not living his best life, not being the best version of himself that he can be.

Of course, if you are familiar with Portland’s vibrant local art scene, Jeremy’s name will likely not be foreign to you. His fantastic work has been shown in the Rotating Art Program at Portland International Airport, in the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center (at Oregon State University), in the University of Oregon’s permanent collection, and many others. His works are primarily portraits of forgotten or underrepresented Black historical figures, painted in a wonderfully expressive pointillist style, juxtaposed against relatively simple backgrounds which may include poignant graphic elements to expand the story. Jeremy believes art to be an interactive and communal experience, and hopes to not only inspire a deeper dive into the subjects’ history but also to open a broader dialogue in general.

Jeremy has two shows on the horizon that are not to be missed. The first is at the Elizabeth Leach Gallery and opens on Thursday, November 7th. This show will expand on his previous show, “A Good Sport” which highlighted Black Americans performing in the fields of sports and academia and navigating the highly complex ideologies of “sportsmanship” throughout their careers. This time around, Jeremy will turn his keen eye toward Black comedians, performers, and vaudevillians, particularly those who pressed boundaries and broke down racial barriers in the industry. He will invite viewers to ponder the subjects’ punchlines.

His second “show” will be the unveiling of his final 2 pieces for the Bush House Museum’s “Reinvisioned: Contemporary Portraits of our Black Ancestors.” Jeremy has been working on this collection for over two years, adding 2 new pieces every six months, and he is as honored to be a part of this important project as he is proud to be completing it. There is a dark history within the walls of this museum, but with their inclusive and intentional recontextualization, growth and healing have been made possible.

Jeremy Okai Davis is a remarkable artist and man. His message is one that needs to be heard. Support local artists and don’t miss out on these important shows. Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jeremyokaiart for updates and info.