Biography

Otha “Vakseen” Davis III is a Los Angeles-based, self-taught, museum-exhibited painter and visual artist whose work explores beauty, identity, self-worth, culture, and the Black experience. Known for his acclaimed Vanity Pop and Legends Only series, his vibrant, collage-inspired paintings merge fine art, fashion, symbolism, and pop culture through a distinctive visual language.

Through Vanity Pop, Vakseen reimagines portraiture as an exploration of individuality, confidence, empowerment, and representation. Layered compositions celebrate the complexity of women while reflecting the intersection of beauty, identity, and contemporary culture. His Legends Only series pays homage to influential cultural icons and visionaries, celebrating Black excellence, creative legacy, and collective consciousness.

Before dedicating himself fully to visual art, Vakseen built an award-winning career in the music industry spanning more than two decades. As a producer, songwriter, creative executive, and multi-platinum, diamond-certified music professional, he contributed to numerous Billboard-charting records and internationally successful projects. That same understanding of rhythm, composition, storytelling, and creative direction continues to influence his visual practice.

 

 

His pseudonym, “Vakseen,” represents being “the cure” — a reminder that we can either complain or be the change we wish to see. That philosophy remains central to his multidisciplinary creative journey and his belief in art as a vehicle for connection, confidence, and transformation.

Vakseen’s work has been exhibited by institutions including the African American Museum of Dallas, Ontario Museum of History & Art, MOCA Cleveland, Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, and the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. His work and collaborations have also connected him with brands and organizations including Nike, Adidas, Vans, The History Channel, and HomeGoods.

His artwork has appeared across television and film, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, HBO’s Insecure, FX’s Snowfall, Peacock’s Bel-Air, Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt, and other major productions. His work and career have also been featured by outlets including Forbes, Architectural Digest, American Art Collector, Black Enterprise, BBC World News, and CBS News.

Through exhibitions, public projects, private collections, licensing, and cultural collaborations, Vakseen’s work celebrates individuality, honors legacy, and invites viewers to see beauty, identity, and themselves through a more expansive lens.

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