Damien Davis’ Searching at Project For Empty Space, Newark

Studio Portrait of Damien Davis by Becca Guzzo

Damien Davis' SEARCHING exhibition at Project for Empty Space in Newark, NJ is an exploratory journey through the tangled undergrowth of our collective consciousness. With a flashlight in hand, visitors are plunged into the darkness of the gallery, where they are greeted by Davis' transfixing blacklight laser-cut fluorescent acrylic sculptures, pulsing with neon colors and tactile shapes.

The exhibition's exploration of the multifarious meanings of searching is both deeply personal and socially relevant, reflecting the many ways we seek knowledge and understanding in our lives. From the playful to the profound, Davis' works are a riot of recognizable motifs, including rocket ships, afro picks, watch gears, butt plugs, dildos, and West African masks, all imbued with his signature blend of humor and pathos.

Globetrotter, 2023
Laser-cut acrylic and stainless steel hardware
17 x 23 × 2 in

Entering its last month, Davis pushed us to self discovery through humor and recognizable motifs, such as figures in profile wearing cap crowns, watch gears, butt plugs, dildos, and West African masks.

Don't miss your chance to see this captivating installation, which is on view by appointment only from Wednesday through Saturday until May 29th, 2023. Project for Empty Space (PES) is not just an arts organization, but a radical ecosystem for creatives, committed to social discourse and equitable spaces, with a new Lower East Side location opening this Fall.

Two Heads, 2023
Laser-cut acrylic and stainless steel hardware
17 x 23 × 2 in