ReadysetDC A CREATIVE URBAN ENTERPRISE

The Dance Before the Kill

Words + Photos by ReadysetDC’s Media Producer, Brandon Bloch

This past Thursday, Anna U. Davis launched her latest series, “The Dance Before the Kill”, at Long View Gallery. The black and white illustrations on paper displayed in the front gallery mark a pretty extreme departure from the colorful magazine-print mosaics on canvas that have defined Anna’s work up to this point (also on display). But the new series is still signature Anna Davis, with über-detailed line work and a raw social commentary played out through her “Frocasian” characters… all knotted up in positions of sexual tension. It’s an exciting new era that Anna is adding to her already impressive body of work.

It was another perfectly choreographed opening under the guidance of Long View’s Director, Drew Porterfield. The packed warehouse space was full of energy, summer style, and ample drinks to cool off from an especially sweltering DC spring afternoon. The evening played out like a reunion with appearances from many of DC’s artists and art champions: Scott Brooks, Alan Defibaugh, Dana Ellyn, and Matt Sesow, Shane Pomajambo, and Philippa Hughes to name a few. Anna Davis’ family showed their support as well, with her mom in attendance and her son skateboarding on the gallery’s concrete floor, past the DJ, bar, and buzzing social scene and out into the cooling evening in Blagden Alley.

This is a show you definitely can’t miss. It’s DC art at its strongest and Anna Davis at her best. “The Dance Before the Kill” is at Long View Gallery (1234 9th Street, NW) until July 1st.