At the Maddox gallery in Notting Hill is a stunning exhibition by a young Spanish artist, Coco Davez, aka Valeria Palmiero. The paintings are of faceless, but very recognizable “brands” such as Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Princess Diana and many others. The idea of bringing together art and the notion of people as brands is an interesting one. Although faceless her figures are easily recognizable identities defined by the sweep of hair or a hint of ermin/ royalty on Diana’s dress. She borrows a Warhol aesthetic and builds on the idea. In truth none of her subjects are faceless.
Davez has also worked extensively as a photographer and an art director with luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, Kenzo, Nespresso, Puma and Prada. She has exhibited in Paris, London and Madrid where she now lives. This year a book will be published of her neorealistic and vibrant paintings from the Faceless exhibition.
The Maddox gallery is a beautiful setting for her work, based in the elegant and energetic setting of Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill. Her work can also be viewed on line