Quick Read
- A new photo exhibit, ‘Eyes on the Point,’ opens in Pittsburgh, showcasing Glen Davis’ rare photographs of the city’s first Renaissance.
- The exhibit features 60 framed photos, hundreds of personal snapshots, and Davis’ modernist sculptures and paintings.
- Davis’ work captures the demolition and construction that transformed Pittsburgh’s Downtown into Point State Park and Gateway Center.
Glen Davis: A Visionary Behind the Lens
Pittsburgh’s first Renaissance, a transformative urban renewal project that began in 1950, is being revisited through the lens of Glen Davis, a local artist and photographer. Known for his modernist paintings and sculptures, Davis also documented the city’s dramatic changes during this pivotal period. His photographs, many of which have never been displayed publicly, are now featured in a new exhibit titled “Eyes on the Point.”
The Exhibit: A Tribute to Pittsburgh’s Transformation
The exhibit, co-organized by local collector Pat McArdle, architect Rob Pfaffmann, arts consultant Erin O’Neill, and writer Mark Houser, is hosted at the Benedum-Trees Gallery. This venue is particularly fitting, as Davis worked in the same building decades ago as an accountant for oil tycoon Michael Benedum. The gallery showcases 60 framed photographs, hundreds of personal snapshots displayed in albums, and a selection of Davis’ sculptures and paintings.
Capturing the Renaissance: Davis’ Unique Perspective
Glen Davis’ photographs provide a unique perspective on Pittsburgh’s transformation. While renowned photographers like Roy Stryker documented the era through the Pittsburgh Photographic Library, Davis’ work stands out for its artistic sensibility. His images capture not only the demolition and construction but also the ephemeral details of the time, such as graffiti, business signage, and event posters. A particularly striking photo juxtaposes piles of concrete debris with a Gateway Center building rising against an empty sky.
The Renaissance: A Turning Point for Pittsburgh
The first Renaissance marked a significant turning point for Pittsburgh. The project began with the demolition of old warehouses at the Point, a 36-acre plot at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. Over the next 25 years, the area was transformed into Point State Park, with its expansive lawn and iconic fountain, and the Gateway Center, a complex of modernist buildings and plazas. These developments redefined Downtown Pittsburgh, setting the stage for the city’s economic and cultural revival.
Glen Davis: More Than a Photographer
Born in 1911 in Pittsburgh’s West End, Glen Davis was a multifaceted artist. He studied at the University of Pittsburgh and became a key figure in the city’s mid-20th-century modernist art scene. Davis was an active member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and Group A, organizations that promoted abstract art. He also contributed to the founding of the Arts and Crafts Center, now the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Davis had a passion for animals, breeding turtles and caring for cats. Despite his quiet demeanor, he was known for his modern outlook and innovative approach to art.
Details of the Exhibit
“Eyes on the Point” runs through August at the Benedum-Trees Gallery. The gallery is open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Visitors can explore Davis’ photographs, paintings, and sculptures, gaining insight into both the artist’s life and Pittsburgh’s history.
The exhibit not only celebrates Glen Davis’ artistic legacy but also offers a window into a transformative era that reshaped Pittsburgh into the vibrant city it is today.