Keni Arts Painting [photo credit: Altadena Library]
The exhibition, titled “Beauty for Ashes,” documents the transformation of Altadena following the January 7 blaze that destroyed over 9,000 homes and businesses across the community. Keni Davis lost his home, his art studio, and most of his paintings in the Eaton fire.
“Art is a process more than a product; it doesn’t start with the paint, nor does it end with the picture,” Keni Arts said in a statement from the Altadena Library about the upcoming exhibition.
The artist, who has been deeply rooted in what he affectionately calls the “Dena” — encompassing both Altadena and Pasadena – since 1977, brings a personal perspective to the community’s recovery process.
His artistic journey has taken him beyond local streets to capture landscapes across America, Africa, Brazil and numerous other locations around the world through his watercolor techniques.
“True art starts in the heart of God, then flows through the artist and continues in the viewer, allowing them to interact with the body of work,” the artist explains.
The Eaton Fire also destroyed numerous sites previously immortalized in Keni’s watercolor paintings, prompting him to return to these spaces to document their destruction, renewal and emerging hope.
An artist reception will be held Friday, May 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Altadena Main Library Community Room, featuring a presentation by the artist at 7 p.m.
The exhibition will remain on display throughout May at the library’s Community Room at 600 E. Mariposa Street, according to information provided by library officials.
“Art can be a powerful voice for change; it can be enlightening, but it can also be challenging,” Keni said in the statement shared by the Altadena Library.
Additional information about the exhibition can be found on the Altadena Library’s website at altadenalibrary.org/news/
