We live on the surface of history,” artist Kris Davis told MM, describing the inspiration for her upcoming solo exhibition, “Macon Traces,” at Macon Arts Alliance. “Behind us are generations of people who have inhabited this place, and the lives they lived, the buildings they built, and the experiences they had influence how we live. Likewise, our lives will influence those who come after us, so we are only a moment on a vast continuum. With these pieces, I hope to evoke the sense of layers of time and place that contribute to the experience of Macon.” 

Her mixed-media, abstract paintings are “inspired by Tattnall Square Park, Mercer University, the architecture of Downtown Macon, Amerson River Park, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Terminal Station, and other locations,” she shared. “Each piece uses elements of collage and abstraction to create layers that interplay, so the viewer has a reason to look closely at the piece’s details. You will see the surface initially, but you will see the layers when you look more deeply.” 

Tennessee-born and Atlanta-raised, she studied art in college, spent 15 years as a teacher, and for the past 16 years, she’s made her art and raised her family in Macon. “This is my home,” she told MM. “I want to say how grateful I am for the opportunity to exhibit this show. Creating it has allowed me to learn more about the city, which makes me feel even more connected to my community.” 

Let’s take a deeper look at her artistic journey. 

Describe your artistic process. 

I have been painting and experimenting with art since college. I developed techniques to adhere pastel to canvas and to embed pigment into textured paper. With this series, I am exploring collage, pattern, and distortion in abstracts, which has been an exciting and liberating process. Combining media allows for spontaneous creativity and creates a more dynamic interplay between the piece and the viewer. 

What inspires you?  

I am inspired by the historical process of archaeology in which layers of time interplay, so the past informs and influences the composition of the present. My works reflect this process by layering colors and materials to depict the accretion of experiences over time. 

Why do you create your art? 

Creating art is a way to express myself and connect with others. As the artist, I use the canvas to tell a story, but the viewer brings their own experiences and perspectives to the piece, which influences their perceptions of the piece. In this way, we have a conversation.  

For example, there is a series of pieces in the show inspired by the bend of the Ocmulgee River flowing through Amerson River Park. This bend is extremely important in Macon’s history because it marks the northernmost navigable point in the river. I’ve repeated the shape multiple times through the pieces, but I think it is ambiguous enough that a person can project a number of meanings onto the shape. Even if a person does recognize the shape, they don’t have to understand its historical significance to find a meaning in it. The shape works on its own to create a pattern and define space. This is what I mean by a dynamic conversation with the viewer. I find it very exciting. 

How does Macon contribute to your work? 

Macon directly inspires this show. I began thinking about this series during the bicentennial art show last year, which led me to explore Macon’s history. Because I moved frequently as a child and young adult, Macon is the first place where I feel a strong connection to place. I bought my first home in historic InTown Macon and raised my family here. When I moved to Macon in 2008, revitalization efforts were underway, and I have seen so much progress and positive change. The connection I feel with Macon and the combination of Macon’s history and progress influence my art.  

 The pieces in this show explore Macon’s complicated history and ongoing development. This is my home and my community, and I want to invite viewers to explore their own perceptions of the city in these pieces. 

See it! Macon Arts Gallery (486 1st St.) on September 6, 2024.

Opening reception from 4 – 7 p.m.

For more information,  
visit maconartsalliance.org and kdavisart.com.