Tim A. Davis

I had the pleasure this week of selling one of my father’s pieces to a client who only met my father once but was so moved by his work and by his message. The struggle continues.

I met Tim Davis, through Allison, my wonderful friend. Allison was working at MOCADA, in Brooklyn, at the time. He attended an opening and we all went out to eat afterwards. I remember thinking how cool he was and how great it must have been to have been raised by such a man. He really looked at Allison with pride and adoration, and I remember how much she seemed to reflect the same feeling toward him. I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Davis, again in Virginia, with Allison. Briefly at his home and I believe at Allison's house. And always through various conversations with Allison where she spoke with such love and care for her father. I can see how Allison was able to embrace her creativity so freely. Two artists, father and daughter, I mean how cool is that?! To be able to discuss work and life with the person who raised you, witnessed, and shaped your development. Tim Davis, bless you for being a beautiful human, a beautiful soul. Thank you for your art, your life, and selfishly I say thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter. Allison is a true friend in the greatest sense and her love for you has been an honor to witness. Rest well.

Tim put on a show of Sylvie Barcelo’s work some years after she died that was a great success. Many of that shows works can be seen here - sylviebarceloestate.art

My wife Mona and I commissioned Tim to do a painting for us based on a tango we did at our wedding at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. It’s attached.

We are very saddened to learn of Tim’s passing. He met our kids when they were toddlers and he periodically would check in with us. He will be sorely missed!

Michael & Mona

Tim was a brother, a friend of over twenty years, a lover, a storyteller, and a fellow artist who I always brainstormed together with. For an immigrant, finding a true friend is making history for yourself. It is how you build a home and a sense of belonging in a faraway land.

I met Tim in Virginia in 2004. He welcomed me with his signature wide smile and asked, "Are you an artist?" From that moment on, he took me to jazz sessions, gallery receptions, and the D.C. art community. He recognized me as an artist. He connected me to the worlds of legendary artists like Sam Gilliam and introduced me to my future collaborator, Almagul Menlibayeva, with whom I later made a video that went to international biennials. In a very humble way, Tim planted so many seeds for me, and he just watched me grow and bloom.

When I moved to Brooklyn in 2007, I knew nothing about the city. I was trying to adapt to Bed-Stuy. Tim came to stay with me to make sure I felt grounded and connected. He walked with me to every corner store and bar, chatting up everyone he met. It was his quiet, unspoken way of introducing me to the neighborhood. Because he walked next to me, I felt accepted and I learned. The day he left, I was a Brooklynite, and I still am today.

I am so lucky he would call and say, "B, I'm coming up if you're around." I would tell him I was very busy, and he would say, "But you're always busy," before negotiating a day or two of staycation for me.

Today, I am far away in Zimbabwe, sitting under the African sun where I am certain he wanted me to be. Tim, you are with me in every single second of my journey here in Harare. Because of you, I have a piece of my life in the United States that will shine like a star forever.

There is no better place to honor him than against the backdrop of his final masterwork. Your voice and your vision live on in this powerful last one-man show. "The Struggle Continues," Tim Davis. Yes, Tim, your legacy stands, we continue the fight, and you have finally found peace, my friend.

I met Tim at his gallery, International Visions, sometime in the winter of 2002, the year I moved to Washington, DC, from Lebanon and began my life here as an immigrant.

I was instantly drawn to the artwork on display and found myself captivated by one particular piece of two peaceful silhouettes gazing at the moon. As the gallery owner, Tim came over and struck up a conversation, asking what I liked about it. I went on about how beautifully it captured a pure and authentic quiet moment shared between kindred spirits, never realizing that it was his own work I was describing. I remember wondering why he seemed so engaged—and so amused!

That was the beginning of a lifelong friendship filled with deep conversations about art, music, and life; moments of uncontrollable laughter; and at times, shared pain. Tim often said, “Life is about meaningful but fleeting moments.”

We always marveled at how two people from different cultures, and backgrounds could connect so effortlessly. “Isn’t that something?” he would say. Kindred spirits are just that. Real connectedness transcends all of those things.

I am so grateful for the many meaningful moments we shared, Tim. Your friendship, sincerity, and joyful spirit made my life richer and more meaningful than it would have been without you.

Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be deeply missed and always remembered. Just like that evening standing before your artwork, I’ll be looking at the moon and I’ll be seeing you.

I met Tim at his gallery when I moved to DC in 1999. He was a warm and amazing guy. We immediately hit it off. I bought one of his own pieces and I’ve enjoyed it for years. I was not in touch with him very much in recent years. But he touched my heart with his presence and his gifts. He will be missed.

Very Heartbroken to hear the news of Tim’s passing. Always Encouraging, kind, funny and a passionate artist. I will miss our occasional chats. May he rest in eternal peace. Condolences, Love, and Peace to his entire family; especially to his children who he loved, admired, and was always so proud of. Fly high Tim until we meet again.

Gregory Porter -
Painted on Canvases

Tim was an extraordinary person and artist. It was my great joy to be his friend. When I was US ambassador to Malawi, Tim loaned my wife Diane and me six amazing works of art that shared about the struggle for freedom and human rights of African Americans and people all around the world. The works greatly moved hundreds of visitors to our home with their power and prophetic messages. We featured Tim’s works and that of his protege JP at our Juneteenth celebration attended by 600 Malawians and other guests. Tim and JP also mentored young Malawian artists in a workshop, showing his investment in the next generation.

Tim’s important impacts live on in his amazing art and the powerful ways he touched people he loved and mentored and inspired. We will miss him greatly but are reminded of him each day by his work of art that hangs in our home. We love you, Tim!

I feel grateful to have known Tim for the last nine years. We met through a mutual friend. Our friendship evolved and became stronger. We had a great time together without ever planning to have a good time. We enjoyed going to art shows, neighborhood concerts, and street fairs.

Tim was gentle, soft-spoken, and a good listener. Everything about him felt effortless. He shared words of wisdom naturally, and conversations with him were always easy and enjoyable. He had a gift for teaching through discussions. Spending time with him always left me with something to think about. He loved sharing his own works of art. Equally, he enjoyed collecting artworks of other artists and took great joy in sharing his collection with others.

Tim loved his family and always talked about his children with pride. Eternally optimistic, he was almost always in a good mood and could find humor even in tough times. He accepted challenges with grace and was quick to find the silver lining in any situation. He lived well, loved generously, and inspired many. His legacy will continue to inspire many more.

I will miss him very much.