Exploring the Dynamic Artistic Evolution of JMikal Davis, aka Hellbent: A Journey Through Patterns, Mediums, and Abstract Expression

an article written by Carmen Line Hust

JMikal Davis, known in the art world as Hellbent, is a contemporary American artist who has carved out a unique space in the ever-evolving landscape of abstract art. His work, deeply rooted in the traditions of pattern, ornamentation, and collage, reflects a dynamic interplay between spontaneity and meticulous craftsmanship. Hellbent's artistic practice is characterized by a profound engagement with materials, patterns, and the transformative possibilities of visual language.

The Head is No Mattress, 30 x 22 inches

To The Point 30 x 22 inches

The Drive
For Hellbent, the motivation to create stems from a deep-seated curiosity and a desire to see ideas come to life. His artistic drive is fueled by the need to explore the potential of materials and techniques, often leading to unexpected and exciting results. As he explains, the process of creating is as much about discovery as it is about execution. "Most of the time it comes out different than what I imagined it would look like, but I don’t think this is a bad thing. It’s actually the most thrilling part: to see if something is going to work out," he notes.
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This approach underscores the experimental nature of his work, where the final outcome is often a surprise, shaped by the inherent qualities of the materials he uses and the serendipities that occur during the creative process. Hellbent’s willingness to embrace these uncertainties allows him to push the boundaries of his art, resulting in pieces that are both visually compelling and conceptually rich.

Hold Back the Night (The Trammps), A 6 Story Mural commissioned by Park Albany, Albany, NY, 2017

Developing an Artistic Vocabulary
​Hellbent's artistic vocabulary is deeply influenced by his love of patterns and quilting, a tradition that involves taking discarded materials and transforming them into something both aesthetically pleasing and functional. This practice of reassembling scraps into coherent compositions is central to his work, where patterns serve as a fundamental element. He draws inspiration from the rich history of ornamentation across cultures, repurposing and re-contextualizing these designs to create contemporary works that bridge the past and the present.

In his early career, Hellbent's work was marked by a more structured and hard-edged approach, akin to the meticulous construction of a quilt. However, over time, his style has evolved, becoming more fluid and expressive. Despite this shift, pattern remains the connective tissue that ties his current work to his earlier efforts, providing a consistent thread throughout his artistic journey.

Deco Squared, 2023, Spray Paint and Acrylic on Paper, 30 x 22 x 0.1 inches

Project-Minded Approach vs. Dynamic Evolution
Hellbent's work is characterized by a series-based approach, where he develops multiple works simultaneously, allowing one series to inform the next. This fluidity enables him to explore different ideas and mediums without being confined to a single project. For instance, his "Post Punk" series emerged from an earlier body of work and evolved into a collection of 20-25 paintings. As he worked on these pieces, he began experimenting with new ideas on paper, which eventually became the focal point of his practice.
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This iterative process reflects Hellbent’s dynamic approach to art-making, where each piece informs the next, creating a continuous dialogue between works. The artist finds freedom in working across different mediums, allowing the ideas and styles to evolve organically.

Hold Back the Night (The Trammps), A 6 Story Mural commissioned by Park Albany, Albany, NY, 2017

Preferred Media and Artistic Freedom
​Hellbent's versatility as an artist is evident in his ability to work across various media, from large-scale murals to intimate studio pieces on paper. While he appreciates the planning and precision required for murals, he also values the freedom and spontaneity that come with studio work. The contrast between these two modes of working allows him to explore different aspects of his artistic practice.

Recently, Hellbent has been drawn to working on paper and old drop cloths, materials that he believes remove the "preciousness" associated with traditional canvas. This choice of medium allows him to experiment more freely, as he feels less constrained by the need to create a perfect final product. The artist describes this process as liberating, enabling him to push the boundaries of his work and take creative risks without the fear of failure.

Emergence of Ideas and Compositional Balance
​Hellbent’s creative process oscillates between spontaneity and premeditation. His "Post Punk" series, for example, was inspired by collages made from blue tape used in masking during painting. These collages, with their accidental color combinations and layered patterns, became blueprints for larger paintings. This process highlights the importance of balance in his compositions, a key element in abstraction.

In his works on paper, Hellbent is more reactive, allowing the piece to develop organically based on the previous mark or an idea that arises during the process. This method requires patience and contemplation, as he carefully considers each new addition to the work, aiming to create a sense of layering and translucency. He wants viewers to engage with the work, to discern what is on top and what lies beneath, creating a visual puzzle that invites deeper exploration.

Artistic Influences
Hellbent’s work is informed by a diverse range of influences, from the Washington Color School to the Graffuturism movement, and artists such as Bridget Riley, Richard Diebenkorn, Rex Ray, José Parlá, and Eddie Martinez. Each of these influences contributes to different aspects of his practice, whether it’s the vibrant color palettes of the Washington Color School, the abstract use of spray paint in Graffuturism, or the optical illusions in Bridget Riley’s work.
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For instance, Rex Ray’s use of spontaneous, pre-painted collage elements resonates with Hellbent’s own practice of creating collages from blue tape. Similarly, José Parlá’s calligraphic strokes and large-scale compositions inspire Hellbent’s exploration of scale and complexity in his own work. These influences, while varied, all contribute to the development of Hellbent’s unique artistic voice, blending elements of abstraction, pattern, and color theory into a cohesive body of work.

JMikal Davis, aka Hellbent, is an artist who continually pushes the boundaries of abstraction, pattern, and materiality in his work. His art is a testament to the power of experimentation and the endless possibilities that emerge when an artist remains open to the process. By drawing on a rich tapestry of influences and embracing both spontaneity and meticulousness, Hellbent creates works that are visually striking and conceptually engaging, inviting viewers to explore the layers of meaning embedded within each piece. His evolving practice, marked by a deep respect for tradition and a fearless approach to innovation, ensures that his work remains fresh and relevant in the contemporary art world.

The Bad Intentions of Time, 2023, Spray Paint and Acrylic on Paper, 30 x 22 x 0.1 inches

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References

1. Washington Color School: The Washington Color School was an abstract art movement that emerged in Washington, D.C., in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for their bold use of color and geometric forms, artists like Morris Louis and Kenneth Noland were central figures. Hellbent's work reflects the movement's influence through his vibrant color palettes and exploration of abstraction.
   • Source: “The Washington Color School: A Movement and Its Artists.” National Gallery of Art. Available at: nga.gov
2. Graffuturism: Graffuturism is a contemporary art movement that evolved from graffiti culture, incorporating elements of abstraction, futurism, and fine art. Artists like Augustine Kofie and Remi Rough are notable for their use of spray paint in abstract compositions, a technique that resonates with Hellbent’s own work.
   • Source: Gastman, Roger, et al. The History of American Graffiti. Harper Design, 2011.
3. Bridget Riley: Bridget Riley is a British artist known for her pioneering work in optical art. Her exploration of visual perception and optical illusions has had a profound impact on many contemporary abstract artists, including Hellbent.
   • Source: Wilson, Andrew. “Bridget Riley: A Retrospective.” Tate. Available at: tate.org.uk
4. Richard Diebenkorn: An American painter associated with both the Abstract Expressionist and Bay Area Figurative Movements, Richard Diebenkorn is renowned for his use of color and spatial composition, influencing artists who explore abstraction in painting.
   • Source: Elderfield, John. Richard Diebenkorn: The Ocean Park Series. Prestel Publishing, 2011.
5. Rex Ray: Rex Ray was a San Francisco-based artist known for his vibrant collages and abstract paintings. His work often involved pre-painted collage elements, a technique that parallels Hellbent's use of blue tape collages in his creative process.
   • Source: “Rex Ray.” SFMOMA Artists Gallery. Available at: sfmoma.org
6. José Parlá: José Parlá is a contemporary artist whose work combines abstract expressionism with calligraphy and large-scale compositions. His calligraphic strokes and exploration of scale are reflected in Hellbent's approach to pattern and complexity.
   • Source: Holzwarth, Hans Werner. 100 Contemporary Artists. Taschen, 2009.
7. Eddie Martinez: Eddie Martinez is an American artist known for his loose, expressive style and dynamic mark-making. His work, though different from Hellbent’s, is admired by the artist for its spontaneity and vibrant energy.
   • Source: Butler, Sharon L. “Eddie Martinez: A New York Painter's Painter.” Art in America, 2013. Available at: artinamericamagazine.com

These references provide a deeper understanding of the influences that have shaped Hellbent's artistic practice, from historic art movements to contemporary artists.

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This article about JMikal Davis, aka Hellbent takes part of the ARTICULATE Promote Programme.