'Canyon of Spiders' 2011
Danny Powell studied at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the late 1990s where he benefited from viewing the museum's collection on a daily basis. It was here he developed a strong interest in Post-Impressionist art and biomorphic abstraction from the 1940s and 1950s, which became critical in his development as a painter. An encounter with the painting "The Earth is a Man" by Roberto Matta changed his direction. In 1999, his emphasis shifted from portraiture and figure drawing to non-objective abstraction.
influences from art institute of chicago
In 2006, Danny co-founded the Chicago based artist collective known as the Infidel Group with the poet/artist Jono Tosch (creator of the Idiot Hero). The goal of the group is uniting Chicago's artists and public through laid-back exhibitions in comfortable alternative spaces. The group members work collaboratively to put on unique events that feature artwork and live music (A Light Sleeper) in a welcoming and positive atmosphere. Infidel Group strives for rooted community based events, partnering with both local businesses, and community focused international organizations, to share the benefit of exposure. Modeled in the vein of art groups of the early 1900s such as Die Brucke, Infidel Group members share an enthusiasm for engagement, professionalism and balance amongst contemporary artists.
"Revelation" 2010
Since the summer of 2008, Danny has been collaborating with Kevin Lustrup and exploring new techniques. Kevin's influence includes the use of oil paint, stencils and spray paint, as well as larger formats, and a new interest in tattoos, graffiti culture, and imagery. Frequent trips to the Art Institute of Chicago in 2009 stimulated research into Islamic and Asian art, specifically painting and sculpture from India and the Himalayan region.
*photos of artwork by c danielle*
Bastardo was formed in 2009 with Lustrup, Tosch and Terry Swafford. International artist Guillermo Munro (Mexico City/Chicago/Dubai/China) was added to the line-up in 2011. Bastardo has been showing at the House Cafe in DeKalb IL since its inception. The group is currently
planning shows in New York and Los Angeles.