Coco Dávez's striking collection of 'Faceless' portraits that pay tribute to her idols

On show at the Maddox Gallery in Westbourne Grove, the collection features a range of understated yet ingenious and wildly colourful works, amongst which one can find the likes of Amy Winehouse, Jean-Michel Basquiat, David Bowie, Grace Coddington, Picasso, Andy Warhol, Iris Apfel, Richie Tenenbaum and Frida Kahlo amongst many more.

Using acrylic on canvas and combining pop art with neorealism, facial features are left blank in the portraits conjuring an air of playfulness by inviting the viewer to a game of ‘Guess Who?’. Instead, the most recognisable characteristics, clothing or accessories help distinguish her most loved artistic icons.

With an established celebrity cult following amongst opinion leaders in Spain, Coco’s artistic approach has been applauded for her pure lines, use of colour and the simplicity of painting faceless portraits.

The Madrid-based rising star of the art world was recently listed in the '30 Under 30' list of most influential artists by Forbes – and tipped this year by GQ Magazine as one of the '10 Best Artists Working Today' – Coco was the only Spanish artist included.

Coco also is a published author having successfully delivered a book of illustrations, which will be launched in English for the first time to coincide with the unveiling of her first UK solo show on 10 May 2019 at Maddox Gallery Westbourne Grove. She has also exhibited internationally, from Paris and Madrid to Belgium and Santiago de Chile.

Coco Dávez's colourful universe has led her to collaborate with Chanel, Kenzo, Prada, Desigual, Puma, Bombay Sapphire and Nespresso, amongst other leading brands. Her work includes both painting and photography and has been exhibited in Paris, Queensland, Brussels, Lisbon, Barcelona Madrid, Valencia and San Sebastian.

Coco Dávez is the alter-ego of Valeria Palmeiro (Madrid, 1989), who started as an illustrator in London (2010). Self-taught and interested in all fields of art, she has worked with many diverse clients on all kinds of projects as a photographer, art director and a painter. Discover more at www.cocodavez.com.