Tara' Davis

Tara’ Davis (b. 1975) is an emerging artist from Northern Virginia. Through her sculptural work, she explores themes such as identity, protection, and survivorship. Her work is an expression of the various emotions and reactions result- ing from childhood abuse. Davis takes the photographic approach of using light and shadows to produce literal and conceptual pieces, some of which are interactive. Through her art, she allows herself to be vulnerable and reveal parts of her identity that would not otherwise have an outlet.

Davis’ latest work is an installation consisting of a tent-like structure made from rebar tie wire. The outside of the structure is covered with wires attached to broken mirror fragments and empty water bottles. When the viewer walks around the piece, shining a light onto the structure, the walls come to life with shadows and reflections created by the observer. Another part of the installation is a life-size display of broken mirror attached to the wall against a corner of the room to facilitate audience interaction. When the light is shone on the mirror, it reflects onto the other side of the corner. This piece allows the onlookers to view themselves in a fragmented state and then create reflections from those fragments.

The plastic water bottles are a play on the traditional bottle trees that can be seen driving around old southern neighbor- hoods in Virginia. According to the folklore surrounding bottle trees, evil spirits find their way into the bottles and then get stuck. Affixed to Davis’ wire tent, the bottles serve two functions, to protect the artist, who sits inside of the structure and to create fascinating shadows onto the surrounding walls. After her father’s death in February '19, she was compelled to make work that explores his fascina- tion with lights, shadows, and reflections. This served as a way for the artist to comfort her inner child by creating an environment that her father would be enthused by.

The other prevailing element of Davis’ work are fractured mirrors. Davis uses this medium to represent the long-term effects of early childhood trauma. Many survivors, including the artist, find themselves with a shattered identity that they must learn to manage. Once shattered, the parts of the identity may never fit back together in their original state, but each part can reflect light and beauty. By utilizing the jagged mirror to reflect light, the artist is acknowledging each of her parts and conveying to them her willingness to work together as a team while navigating through life.

What is on your studio playlist?

In a Sentimental Mood, Unforgettable, When I Fall In Love, Smile, and Misty.

What did you take away from your time in art school?

Make the materials my own and embrace the creative process. For me, making art is more about the process than it is about the product.

What are five things that influenced your thesis project?

The urge to work with rebar tie wire, my father’s death, my pursuit of mental health, the desire to express parts of myself that feel suppressed, a fascination with shadows.