Vakseen's Pop Pop Icon Series

The ability to create and be creative isn't a ubiquitous trait that is possessed by all. There are varying degrees of ingenuity, skill, and innate talent. Insofar as garnering national or international success as a self-taught artist is possible though not always probable. We say kudos to those who navigate life following their dreams, ideals, and stubborn tenacity!

Otha Davis III, aka Vakseen, was born in 1979 in Athens, Georgia, with an innate talent for the arts. Raised in Jacksonville, FL, Otha moved to Los Angeles in 2011 to expand on a prolific career as a music executive and self-taught exhibited artist and painter.

Burnin Bob

1 in a Million

Vakseen's art, once considered realism in the traditional sense of artistic genres, is now categorized under his characteristic trademark Pop Pop Icons. Pop Pop Icons gleans aspects of abstract art, cubism, and photorealism and blends them into portraits that applaud the contrasts and similarities of beauty, fashion, identity, luxury, insecurity, and being vulnerable. Each hand-painted collage plays with one's perceptions by giving the illusion of being composed of mixed media.

Growing up, Vakseen's parents played a tangential role in developing his deep adoration and ear for music. They introduced their son to iconic geniuses like Miles Davis and Prince, both of whom he reverently portrays in his stunning portrait series. Vakseen recognizes these artists as legends and strives to keep their legacies alive through his art while captivating his audience and provoking discussions about each piece.

As Vakseen continues to grow his craft, he aims to "reflect the surreal, superficial world we live in and speak to the fragmentation within us all as we strive for acceptance in a world full of unrealistic standards." We are mesmerized by what this man has produced so far and look forward to his future works of art!