U is Transforming was shown at the first major exhibition of Davidson’s paintings, and springs from a highly experimental and creative period that would establish a new direction and medium for the artist.

In the years building towards the 1967 landmark exhibition Arts of the Raven at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Robert Davidson was introduced to the work of a historical anonymous master artist whom Bill Holm and Bill Reid had named the ‘Master of the Black Field.” This artist would become an early influence on Davidson’s work – the Master’s ability to establish a shape within a shape and then design both the primary and internal designs in relation to each other was a critical influence on pieces throughout Davidson’s career. Davidson believes that each shape has its own supernatural and natural presence that can be brought to life.

In 1983 Davidson began painting as a serious medium; this led to an important early exhibition titled Adding More Words to the Dictionary – In Appreciation of Robert Davidson’s most recent paintings at the Maple Ridge Art Gallery. U is Transforming was included in this exhibition. Many of these paintings featured large formline elements within a shape which became the external form for the subject – titles such as Wolf Inside Its Own Foot, Seawolf Inside Its Own Dorsal Fin, and U is Transforming were strong examples of his new direction in designing. Five of these paintings were all sold as a set; this was Davidson’s first major painting sale, and it shifted his work towards producing original paintings. These same five paintings became the designs for a 1983 print series; these are among the most collected and documented images of the modern art form.

U is Transforming was released for sale in the 1989 catalogued solo exhibition Robert Davidson at the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver. This exhibition was one of the first exhibitions to experiment with not pre-selling the exhibition; all major works were sold to people who formed a line in front of the gallery. The clients travelled from many international cities to participate in the sale and the ceremonial opening with the artist. Davidson has included paintings in every major commercial and retrospective exhibition since that time.

Gary Wyatt