Adonis David – Curator’s Choice Spring 2023

As cherry blossoms decorate the trees and winter becomes a faint memory on the cobblestone streets of Gastown, a new season ushers in a wave of excitement and fresh talent to be shared with the world.

Our latest fave is Adonis David, who is a new-generation artist belonging to an impressive lineage of esteemed artists.  

His grandfather is master carver Joe David, his great uncle is accomplished artist George David and his father, Douglas David, is considered one of the foremost next generations of master artists of the Pacific Northwest Coast.

Adonis has spent many years assisting his father with carving. Adonis tells us that he finds incredible inspiration in the artworks of his father and those that came before him as well as the countless other great contemporary First Nations artists.

An extraordinary and prolific painter, Adonis has been learning about Nuu-chah-nulth cultural traditions his whole life.

These stories have informed and transformed his artistic development. He finds significance in such artworks adorning the walls of those that recognize their true value and beauty. To Adonis, the real importance of art is sharing these stories and forms with the world.

After his apprenticeship with his father, Adonis began to explore his own artwork in the media of original painting, concentrating on using acrylic on paper. The use of acrylics is currently his favourite medium to work with, and he is often found in the comfort of his room pouring over his works.

Adonis remarks that his work has changed to reflect the West Coast style more although he is still in the learning process with his art. His imagery is culturally significant and speaks to a traditional Nuu-chah-nulth form line and design element.

The gentle precision of his lines speak to his attention to detail and dedication to an art form that has been passed down through his family for generations.

Born May 27th in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Adonis truly embodies the lifeblood of spring, bringing a fresh and inherent warmth to each work of art he produces.

His vibrant colour palette ushers in a tangible sense of uplifting brilliance and excitement for future generations of artists from the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation. We at Coastal Peoples Gallery look forward to watching his talent continue to soar as he blossoms into his incredible potential.

Spring has truly sprung with this young, new-generation artist!