David Datuna

David Datuna
Artist David Datuna with Make America Stronger Together Installation
Born February 10, 1974[1] Tbilisi, Georgia
Nationality Georgian-American[1]
Known for Sculpture, installation
Notable work USA-Viewpoints of Millions
(2008-2012)
Love of Millions
(2012)
Make America Stronger Together
(2016)
Website datuna.com

David Datuna (born February 10, 1974, Tbilisi, Georgia)[2] is a Georgian-born American artist living in New York City.[1][3] He is most widely known for his Viewpoint of Millions series that explores the sources and meaning of cultural identity from each unique point of view.[1][3][4][5]

Datuna's signature technique in Viewpoint of Millions is a network of positive and negative optical lenses suspended over a large-scale layered, collaged and painted image.[4] The mixed media palette often includes photography, newspaper articles, magazine clippings, paint and color.[4][5] The prismatic surface both hides and reveals the work below, while the lenses symbolize individual identity, illusion, perception, fragmentation and unification.[4][5] Portraits, flags and icons are recurring themes within the Viewpoint of Millions series.[5]

Datuna's works have been exhibited in Europe, Russia, China and the United States.[1][6][7]

Special Projects

In October 2011, Datuna's portrait of Vladimir Putin made out of miniature images of Mona Lisa was sold for $269,000[8] during the Art Moscow Fair in December, 2011.

In December 2011, Datuna's Steve Jobs / Ayn Rand portrait sold for $210,000[9] at SCOPE Miami Art Show, which became one of the most expensive art pieces sold at the fair that year.[7]

In January 2012, Datuna unveiled an installment in the Viewpoint of Millions art project, titled ‘Viewpoint of Millions: Israel Beyond a Dream’ in Palm Beach, FL.[5] The artwork consisted of an Israeli flag triptych assembled in Datuna's style of cascading optical lenses, which represented the past, present and future of Israel.[5] A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the artwork were donated to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.[5]

In May 2012, Global Art Group created a mobile application for the iTunes Store that lets users create art in Datuna's style, called Viewpoints.[10][11]

In 2012, Datuna, together with Global Art Group and Mironova Art Gallery donated a portrait of Natalia Vodianova created out of Robert Indiana's LOVE symbol to Vodianova's Naked Heart Foundation charity auction.[12] The work brought in $790,000.[12] This was the second consecutive year of Datuna's involvement with the Naked Heart Foundation. In 2011, he donated his installation "Chaotic Past," which sold for over $100,000[12] to Irina Viner, wife of Alisher Usmanov, a Russian billionaire, art collector and majority Arsenal shareholder.[12]

David Datuna in Google Glass

In December 2013, Datuna became the first artist in the world to incorporate Google Glass into a contemporary work of art.[13][14] The artwork debuted at a private event at The New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida during the SIME MIA conference.[15][16] The artwork moved to the Miami Design District for the public debut.[17] The event lasted 5 days with over 1500 people from around the world trying on Google Glass and seeing Datuna's American flag from his Viewpoint of Billions series during Art Basel Week in Miami.[18][19] The piece also displayed at the Lincoln Center in New York.[20][21][22] It is the first of ten flags in the Viewpoint of Billions series.[23]

David Datuna unveils Make America Stronger Together in front of the Trump Tower in NYC

On October 18, 2016 David unveiled [24] his Make America Stronger Together installation at the doorstep of Trump Tower in New York City. The artist has combined the themes MAKE AMERICA (Donald Trump) with STRONGER TOGETHER (Hillary Clinton) representing a divided nation, and created two monumental works of art with the hope to bring the divided nation closer. The 10 X 20-foot mixed-media sculpture was created in Datuna's signature style contrasting different points of view challenging a fragmented contemporary culture. The work consists of two American flags facing back-to-back covered in a collage of newspapers, quotes, and images reflecting the current climate with the messages "SOS" and "ONE."

On October 31, 2016, Datuna flew[25] both presidential candidates to the Statue of Liberty in an art performance connected to the Make America Stronger Together installation. Datuna chose the New York City landmark for it being the most iconic symbol of American values and its unique status as the beacon of hope for the world.

In an art performance David Datuna flies Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump to the Statue of Liberty
David Datuna presenting the inaugural Life Award to Gilead Sciences

Following his battle with cancer, Datuna established The Fund for Life, a philanthropic organization dedicated to fighting fatal diseases worldwide. In conjunction with the Fund, David also established the Life Award, which is given to corporations and individuals for exceptional contributions to sustaining and saving of human lives. The first recipient of the Life Award[26] became Gilead Sciences, Inc. for its work in Georgia in combating the hepatitis C epidemic.

On June 8, 2017, Datuna created a 10-foot ice sculpture of Donald Trump's name [27] in response to U.S. President's Withdrawal From The Paris Climate Agreement. Sculpture and the art performance was called "This Too Shall Pass."

Datuna presenting "Saudi Arabia - Viewpoint of Billions" to Prince Khalid Al Faisal

On December 13, 2017, David Datuna presented his rendition of the flag of Saudi Arabia to His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al Faisal, the Governor of the Western Provence, as a gift from the Americans to the people of Saudi Arabia.[28] Titled "Saudi Arabia - Viewpoint of Billions" this mixed media sculpture is Datuna's call for closer human ties between the two countries, with art paving the way to better understanding, acceptance, and unity. This project was done in close cooperation and with support from the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and the Ministry of Culture and Information of Saudi Arabia.

Datuna - Portrait of America

In 2015 filmmakers Michael Huter and Brian Bayerl produced a documentary [29] about David called "Datuna: Portrait of America." The film tells the story of Datuna's escape from the repression of the former USSR to pursue his dream of cultural and artistic freedom in America. The filmmakers followed him as he worked on the first-ever artwork that fused contemporary art with wearable technology—all the while battling a potentially fatal cancer diagnosis.

The movie received the Best Film Award at the Raindance Film Festival in London,[30] and Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival.[31]

It was released to the public via YouTube on 4 July 2017.[32]

Selected exhibitions

In October 2012, Datuna's solo exhibition titled Emblem and Image[3] featured a portrait of President Barack Obama that traced the arc of African-American political and social experience over 150 years.[3]

In 2013, Datuna opened his Paris exhibition, Beauty and Power, on the prestigious Avenue Matignon which featured fifteen works.[6][33][34]

In October 2013, Datuna opened his Moscow exhibition, Eye to Eye, near Red Square at the Vetoshny Art Center, presented by Gallery Shchukin, where images of Russian icons and leaders like Vladimir Putin and Tsar Nicolas II were reinterpreted through optical lenses.[4][35][36]

  • 2004 Central House of Artists, Moscow, Russia
  • 2005 Na Kuznetskom Mostu, Central Exhibit Hall, Moscow, Russia
  • 2006 798 Avant Gallery, New York, NY
  • 2008 Manege, Exhibition Hall, Moscow, Russia
  • 2008 789 Avant Gallery, New York, NY (solo)
  • 2009 Mironova Gallery, Kiev, Ukraine
  • 2010 Arsenal Museum, Kiev, Ukraine
  • 2011 Viewpoints of Millions, Westwood Gallery, New York, NY (solo)
  • 2012 Politics, Peace and Passion, Long-Sharp Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
  • 2012 Emblem and Image, Birnam Wood Galleries, New York, NY (solo)
  • 2013 Beauty and Power, Shchukin Gallery, Paris, France (solo)
  • 2013 Eye to Eye, Shchukin Gallery, Moscow, Russia (solo)
  • 2013 Viewpoint of Billions with Google Glass, KIWI Arts Group and Gallery Shchukin, Miami, FL

Datuna has participated in numerous contemporary art fairs, including Art Miami, Scope, Los Angeles Art Show, Art Southampton, Art Hamptons, Houston Fine Art Fair, Texas Contemporary, Art Palm Beach, Art Moscow and others.[1][3]

Artworks

  • LOVE (2007)
  • Box of Life (2007), installation
  • USA-Viewpoints of Millions (2007), installation
  • Fashion Rules the World (2008) installation
  • USA Today (2008)
  • CANADA-Viewpoints of Millions (2008), installation
  • Chaotic Past (2008), installation
  • Putin-Mona Lisa (2011), installation
  • Putin Couture (2011)
  • White Flags- White Dreams (2011)
  • Israel — Behind a Dream (2011)
  • Steve Jobs/Ayn Rand (2011)
  • Mobile Application VIEWPOINTS (2012)
  • Marilyn — Sasha grey (2012)
  • Russia Today (2012)
  • Due Date (2012), installation
  • Black Bubble (2012), installation
  • Mr. President: Legacy (2012), installation
  • Reality Of Illusion (2006-2012)
  • Vodianova - Love of Millions (2012), installation
  • Mr. President: Legacy (2012)
  • Eye to Eye: Nicolas II (2013)
  • Eye to Eye: Putin (2013)
  • Georgia - Millions of Hope (2014)[37]

Further reading

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "David Datuna". Retrieved Mar 19, 2012.
  2. ↑ Behr-Thyssen Ltd. :: David Datuna
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "David Datuna Solo Show at Birnam Wood Gallery". Daily News. New York. Retrieved Jul 19, 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Дэвид Датуна в арт-центре". Vashdosug. Retrieved Oct 23, 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Blending Philanthropy, Culture and Art". Jewish Philanthropy. Retrieved Oct 23, 2013.
  6. 1 2 "Beauty and Power". La Russie d'Aujourd'hui. Retrieved Oct 23, 2013.
  7. 1 2 "Steve Jobs Portrait Sells for $210,000". Incredible Art. Retrieved Oct 23, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Portrait of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin Sells for $269,000". Fox News. 3 October 2011. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  9. ↑ Martinelli, Nicole (12 December 2011). "Mashup Portrait of Steve Jobs + Ayn Rand Fetches $210,000". Cult of Mac. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  10. ↑ Calimlim, Aldrin. "Viewpoints Brings The Unique Style Of A Well-Known Artist To Your iDevice". AppAdvise.com.
  11. ↑ "Viewpoints, App Based on the Eyewear Art of David Datuna". Laughing Squid. Retrieved Oct 23, 2013.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "David Datuna's portrait of supermodel Natalia Vodianova sells for $790,000". ArtDaily.com. 13 October 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  13. ↑ Sam Dangremond (December 3, 2013). "Art Appreciation Through Google Glass". Town & Country. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  14. ↑ Suzette LaBoy. "Art world convenes for Art Basel Miami Beach". Yahoo News!. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  15. ↑ Debra Klein (December 4, 2013). "David Datuna Creates Google Glass Art for Art Basel Miami Beach". Daily Beast. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  16. ↑ Josh Rubin (December 2, 2013). "David Datuna: Viewpoint of Billions". Cool Hunting. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  17. ↑ Jacquelynn Powers (December 5, 2013). "Google Glass Meets Miami Art Week With Artist David Datuna". Miami Pop. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  18. ↑ Maria Camila Bernal (December 3, 2013). "David Datuna Mixes Art with Google Glass at Art Basel Miami Beach". NBC Miami. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  19. ↑ Adrianne Jeffries (December 4, 2013). "'Viewpoint of Billions' uses Google Glass to make art look back at you". The Verge. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  20. ↑ Vanessa Golembewski. "Google Glass Gets The Art Treatment In NYC". Refinery29. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  21. ↑ "Art exhibit uses Google Glass". Fox NY. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  22. ↑ Laura Gurfein (December 16, 2013). "Google Glass Gets Artsy at the Lincoln Center Atrium". Racked. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  23. ↑ Kristi Garced (December 17, 2013). "Art, Meet Google Glass: David Datuna Talks Viewpoint of Billions". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  24. ↑ http://www.canindia.com/make-america-stronger-together-sculpture-unveiled/
  25. ↑ http://tv.rbc.ru/archive/no_comment/581845189a7947911ff1f032
  26. ↑ http://cbw.ge/georgia/heart-shaped-art-installation-another-masterpiece-by-georgian-artist/
  27. ↑ http://www.upworthy.com/this-is-how-people-reacted-when-a-guy-wrote-trump-on-a-new-york-sidewalk-in-dry-ice/
  28. ↑ https://sabq.org/qB5P7G/
  29. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4165152/?ref_=ttpl_pl_tt/
  30. ↑ http://thefancarpet.com/movie_news/datuna-portrait-of-america-wins-at-the-23rd-annual-raindance-film-festival/
  31. ↑ http://www.imdb.org.uk/title/tt4165152/awards?ref_=tt_awd/
  32. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidalm/2017/06/29/david-datunas-july-4th-gift-to-america/#366653e7bdb9/
  33. ↑ "Ludovic Chancel, amoureux : Le fils de Sheila aux anges avec sa belle Sylvie". Pure People. Retrieved Oct 23, 2013.
  34. ↑ "La Tendance Du Moment". BFM Business. Retrieved Oct 23, 2013.
  35. ↑ "Russian Leaders as Seen by American Artist David Datuna". The Moscow Times. Retrieved Oct 23, 2013.
  36. ↑ "Наталья Водянова и другие на открытии выставки". Spletnik. Retrieved Oct 23, 2013.
  37. ↑ David Datuna creates Georgian flag's optical illusion
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