Atlanta mixed media artist Nigel Davis utilizes trash and scrap pieces to create works of art

Atlanta-based artist Nigel Davis. (Courtesy of Nigel Davis)

On the “City Lights” series “Speaking of Art,” local artists share insights into their influences, processes, and experiences in town.

This edition features visual mixed media artist Nigel Davis. “Mostly, I paint on canvas, but honestly, I paint on anything I can get my hands on,” Davis said. “Wood, plexiglass [and] paper as well.”

Jean Michel Basquiat inspired Davis to use materials that were right in front of him, like recycling things off the street. “Cleaning up the neighborhood like that is a great way ’cause turning something into an art form, which is going to be on display for people when people don’t normally look at trash or scrap pieces on the side of the road,” Davis reflected.

“So that’s just a nice little fun thing to play with that I do often.”

Davis also collages a lot of his work with newspaper clippings, receipts from take-out and clippings from his own personal journal to place on his paintings to give them more sentimental value and expression. 

You can find more information about Nigel Davis’ work on Instagram here.