King David 'Jamaica' at 447 Space

We printed large scale photographs that went into New York-based artist King David's solo exhibition titled Jamaica at 447 Space, the exhibition gallery set up by Sean Scully and Liliane Tomasko. Centered around Jamaica, the place that means most to him, King David writes his love letter through moody photographic prints and a meticulous, alchemic abstract painting process. We printed the five large photographs in this show, that hang next to his paintings to help tell this story.

The works in this show, the results of a steady two year study by King David, each represent a part of Jamaica. Through to allusions to Jamaica's history, such as Tacky's War in the 1760s, or the iconic landscape of the Blue Mountains, the soul of these pieces come straight from the Land We Love itself.

The film photographs, taken by King David on his most recent trip back to Jamaica, were printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Ultrasmooth and mounted on dibond.

“My record of actions across these surfaces evokes the tragic beauty of Jamaica, and pays respect to Jamaican people in doing so. The journey of my own family, from poverty to immigration and success, is also proudly acknowledged in every iota of this series. To them I owe everything. They taught me how to appreciate life, showed me the right way to treat people, and they continue to build me into the man I am today and nurture me towards becoming better. One of the main reasons I use the moniker “King David” is because of my lineage; from both sides of my family, I truly feel that I was blessed to be borne from royalty. Big up yaself!”

- One Love, King David, 2023

Jamaica will be on view by appointment only until October 20th, 2023.

Exhibition photographs courtesy of 447 Space. All artwork courtesy of King David.