David Datuna 1974-2022

On behalf of John William Gallery, we join the world of art in their collective grief as we learned of the passing of David Datuna, the Georgian-American conceptual artist.

Known for his provocative multi-media work, Datuna set the standard for socially conscious-centric art with his keen sense of conceptual art and an occupational love for playful juxtapositions. His weblike network of optical lenses suspended over large-scale collaged and painted images has captivated viewers throughout his career. Using the language of mixed media, Datuna encapsulated the pulse of political, cultural, and commercial sensitivities.

In February 2014, the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery featured Datuna's work, where a record-breaking 27,000 visitors waited for over two hours to view the exhibition. His contribution to contemporary art continues to have a lasting imprint on the art community.

David Datuna exhibits widely in the US, Europe, and Asia, and is well represented in important private collections worldwide. His philanthropic and cross-cultural engagements lend cause for celebration for what he achieved and contributed to American contemporary art.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.

David Datuna 1974 – 2022

Thank you.

Kathrine