Miles Davis Artwork
A Historic Arrival
An original painting by Miles Davis now hangs at Epicurus, marking the first and only artwork by the jazz legend on permanent display on Danish soil. Created in 1981 and personally gifted to saxophonist Bill Evans during Miles’ celebrated comeback, this piece carries profound emotional and artistic significance.
As a gesture of friendship and faith in the Epicurus vision, Bill Evans has graciously loaned the painting to his longtime collaborator, our very own Sir Niels Lan Doky. The artwork arrived from the U.S. under careful escort and was installed in a custom-built frame at the venue—where it now serves as a permanent symbol of artistic legacy and trust.
Positioned at the heart of Epicurus, the painting anchors the space in both jazz history and personal connection, enriching the atmosphere with its powerful presence.
From transatlantic flight to final placement—follow the journey of the Miles Davis painting as it travels from airport to glacier to jazz hall in this exclusive behind-the-scenes video. [Watch the journey here]
The Art of Miles
While celebrated worldwide for redefining jazz music, Miles Davis also pursued painting with the same restless creativity that defined his sound. He began sketching and painting in his 50s, and though his paintings were rarely exhibited during his lifetime, they have since gained recognition as a significant part of his creative legacy. Equally driven by experimentation and intuition, his painting style was bold and expressionistic, featuring abstract figures, colorful geometric shapes, and influences from African tribal art as well as artists like Picasso, Kandinsky, and Basquiat.
His collectors included the legendary Quincy Jones, who remarked, “Miles painted the way he played—authentic, nothing slick, always an experiment.” The painting on display at Epicurus embodies this spirit.
Surrounded by live jazz, expressive cuisine, and curious minds, the artwork becomes more than a visual piece—it becomes an echo of Miles himself, seen and felt through every performance in the room.
