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 biomorphic painting 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.
synthesis
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.
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Exhibition History
- 05/2012 "Body Snatchers" Chicago IL
- 02/2012 "FREAKALB" House Cafe. DeKalb IL
- 05/2011 Wooden Box Theater Presents: The Wall House Cafe, DeKalb IL
- 10/2010 Brooklyn Flea Market, Brooklyn NY
- 07/2010 Aurora Art Fair, Aurora IL
- 05/2010 "Full Circle" House Cafe, DeKalb IL
- 10/2009 House Cafe, DeKalb IL
- 09/2009 Wooden Box Theater Company, House Cafe, DeKalb IL
- 08/2009 Borders Books and Music, DeKalb IL
- 08/2009 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, Naperville, IL
- 10/2007 "Art Nerd Free Trade Show" Delilahs, Chicago IL
- 09/2007 "Fall Down" Infidel Group Collaberative Show, Chicago IL
- 08/2007 Solo Show BEBOP Korean BBQ, Chicago IL
- 07/2007 Roots Caberet Salon Opening, Chicago IL
- 06/2007 "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
- 07/2006 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
- 07/2005 Soul Candy Group Show, Hot-House Gallery, Chicago IL
- 02/2005 Around The Coyote Winter Arts Festival, Chicago IL
- 11/2004 Northside Cafe, Chicago IL
- 07/2004 Lemmings, Chicago IL
- 02/2004 Fulton Street Collective Group Open House, Chicago IL
- 01/2004 Art of This World Benefit Show, Adler Planetarium, Chicago IL
- 03/2003 Black Beetle Bar and Grill, Chicago IL
- 01/2003 Northside Cafe, Chicago IL
- 05/2002 Group Show at Red Light Productions, Chicago IL
- 12/2001 Leishas Private Show, Glen Ellyn IL








































