Powell's art presents a distinctive visual reality that blends different styles such as Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism with elements of Classic POP. The work is painterly, organic, and features bright color, with all-over spaced compositions. One example of this synthesis is a work titled "The Dangerous Limit" created in the summer of 2001.
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.
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 and graffiti culture. Frequent trips to the Art Institute of Chicago in 2009 stimulated research into Asian art, specifically painting and sculpture from India and the Himalayan region. Working with Kevin led to the formation of BASTARDO in 2010 with Terry Swafford, Ann Heintz, and Jono Tosch.
Danny is represented by the Johnny Sagan Gallery, New York City. For info on availability and pricing go to "contact me" in the upper right of the site header.
"Jung believed that a human being is inwardly whole, but that most of us have lost touch with important parts of our selves. Through listening to the messages of our dreams and waking imagination, we can contact and reintegrate our different parts. The goal of life is individuation, the process of coming to know, giving expression to, and harmonizing the various components of the psyche. If we realize our uniqueness, we can undertake a process of individuation and tap into our true self."
my youtube channel
BASTARDO (my crew)
Web Design by Andrew Tibbetts
slide show music by The Armor Class
Photos of Artwork by Aubrey Boonstra
orange alert interview
Other Influences
islamic architecture. stained glass. illuminated manuscripts. psychedelia. tibetan mandalas. alchemical texts. peruvian textiles.
byzantine icons. adolfi wolfli. italian frescoes. ajanta caves. BNSF freight train graffiti.
pacific northwest coast carvings/prints.
art nouveau.
Influences from the Art Institute of Chicago Collection
images from the sketchbooks
Revelation
acrylic, oil, and spray paint on canvas
5ft x 15ft
2009
Contemporary Influences
Jono Tosch
Crowded Asian Cities #3
collage on paper
30" x 20"
2010
Kevin Lustrup
Graffito
oil and spray paint on canvas
2008
David Keel
Untitled
acrylic on canvas
74" x 25"
2008
Angelbert Metoyer
2 Daughters of Right
coal, oil, plaster and poly on canvas
48" x 60"
2006
Terry Swafford
Angel of Death
oil on board
24" x 24"
2008
Exhibition History
05/2010 "Full Circle" House Cafe, DeKalb IL
12/2009 "Pre-New Year's Eve Party", DeKalb IL
10/2009 House Cafe, DeKalb IL
06/2009 Wooden Box Theater Company, House Cafe, DeKalb IL
05/2009 Borders Books and Music, DeKalb IL
05/2009 "Cornfest" w/Joe Dizillo and The Sweeps, DeKalb IL
05/2009 "Joe Dizillo Abstract Clouds Cd Release" Dekalb IL
10/2008 Chicago Art Collectives Group Show @ Parts and Labor, Chicago IL
06/2008 "The First Story", Chicago IL
06/2008 "Infidel Group Summer Solstice Show",Chicago IL
04/2008 "Tags and Ink" Parts and Labor Show, Chicago IL
12/2007 Holiday Show w/Kevin Lustrup, Naperville, IL
10/2007 "Art Nerd Free Trade Show" Delilahs, Chicago IL
09/2007 "Fall Down" Infidel Group Collaberative Show, Chicago IL
07/2007 Solo Show BEBOP Korean BBQ, Chicago IL
07/2007 Roots Caberet Salon Opening, Chicago IL
07/2007 "Infidel Group Show" BEBOP Korean BBQ, Chicago IL
05/2007 "Down the Street" Infidel Group Open House, Chicago IL
10/2006 "Mod-Podge" Morpho Gallery Group Show, Chicago IL
09/2006 Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival, Chicago IL
06/2006 Group Show, Tojo Gallery, Chicago IL
12/2005 Chicago Mondo at Trevia, Chicago IL
10/2005 "An Uninterrupted View" Group Show, Morpho Gallery, Chicago IL
05/2005 "Soul Candy" Group Show, Hot-House Gallery, Chicago IL
02/2005 Around The Coyote Winter Arts Festival, Chicago IL
10/2004 Northside Cafe, Chicago IL
08/2004 Lemmings, Chicago IL
10/2004 Fulton Street Collective Group Open House, Chicago IL
12/2003 Art of This World Benefit, Adler Planetarium, Chicago IL
10/2003 Black Beetle Bar and Grill, Chicago IL
08/2003 Northside Cafe, Chicago IL
05/2002 Group Show at Red Light Productions, Chicago IL
12/2001 Leishas Private Show, Glen Ellyn IL