R&B Star Anderson .Paak Shares His Connection to a Miles Davis Artwork
The award-winning musician was gifted an original work painted by the jazz legend
Not many people know Miles Davis painted. A close friend of mine gifted me one of his original artworks. I like how it’s a bit abstract, but you can still see exactly what’s going on. It looks as though someone is playing a trumpet, but the colors and composition make it seem like something he saw in a dream. Maybe he was on psychedelics? Everyone’s perspective is so different, but that’s what I love about it. The work is very bold and unique, but when you find out who the artist was, everything makes sense. Miles wasn’t a very outspoken person, but you could tell he probably had a lot on his mind. Maybe drawing was therapy for him.
Art is great because it’s an extension of who you are. I’m very proud to show off this unique piece. It makes me feel good about myself. I’m still trying to figure out where to hang it because it’s so special. I’ve been furnishing my new place but don’t have much on the walls yet. There’s an area where I have some cool art. One work is from my dear friend Mac Miller—his mom is a photographer, and she gifted me a photo she took in Haiti. I have pictures of Bob Marley in the same space, so maybe I’ll put the painting there so it’s in good company.
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2025 Late Fall Issue under the section “In Focus.” Subscribe to the magazine.