ARTIST STATEMENT 2022
“Wonderland:” the word instantly conjures images of fantastical worlds; spectacular environments of colors, shapes, and lighting; a menagerie of images both inspiring and disorienting. It is a fitting word to describe the boon of development and architectural innovation that took root in Southern California in the 1920s. The father of American Architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright, would go on to flourish in the warm Mediterranean climate of Los Angeles during this time, bringing with him steadfast principles in design, but adapting them to a new environment. He would also bring with him a group of students that would contribute their own design sensibilities to his philosophies of organizing space and the use of materials. One can trace a common thread from Frank Lloyd Wright through his disciples, ever evolving over time, which defined the look of architecture as the region approached the midcentury’s Modernism style. Altogether, their advancements in the field would forever change how we envision the built space.
In this latest series, I want to trace how these seminal projects in early Modernism adapted to unique parameters, often influenced by the cultural backgrounds of their respective architects, and how they brought about a bold new mindset of design. I cover monumental and lesser-known work starting with Frank Lloyd Wright and trace his design principles through his son Lloyd Wright, and students Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, and John Lautner. My paintings pay close attention to how many of these projects started as a collection of simple shapes, squares and rectangles, jumbled up and cantilevered over hills, in order to create a dynamic living arrangement specific to each client. One can see the strict lines and rigid architectural forms often set against and within the natural world around them. My goal is to evoke how striking these creations are; how they were groundbreaking for the time, but continue to inspire today. They are an astonishing achievement where creativity meets practicality – a daring venture into the improbable. The fact that so many of these homes developed in the same geographical region lends a dreamlike quality to the area. Fitting, as Los Angeles has long been considered the City of Dreams – but I see it more as a “Wonderland.”
“Wonderland:” the word instantly conjures images of fantastical worlds; spectacular environments of colors, shapes, and lighting; a menagerie of images both inspiring and disorienting. It is a fitting word to describe the boon of development and architectural innovation that took root in Southern California in the 1920s. The father of American Architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright, would go on to flourish in the warm Mediterranean climate of Los Angeles during this time, bringing with him steadfast principles in design, but adapting them to a new environment. He would also bring with him a group of students that would contribute their own design sensibilities to his philosophies of organizing space and the use of materials. One can trace a common thread from Frank Lloyd Wright through his disciples, ever evolving over time, which defined the look of architecture as the region approached the midcentury’s Modernism style. Altogether, their advancements in the field would forever change how we envision the built space.
In this latest series, I want to trace how these seminal projects in early Modernism adapted to unique parameters, often influenced by the cultural backgrounds of their respective architects, and how they brought about a bold new mindset of design. I cover monumental and lesser-known work starting with Frank Lloyd Wright and trace his design principles through his son Lloyd Wright, and students Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, and John Lautner. My paintings pay close attention to how many of these projects started as a collection of simple shapes, squares and rectangles, jumbled up and cantilevered over hills, in order to create a dynamic living arrangement specific to each client. One can see the strict lines and rigid architectural forms often set against and within the natural world around them. My goal is to evoke how striking these creations are; how they were groundbreaking for the time, but continue to inspire today. They are an astonishing achievement where creativity meets practicality – a daring venture into the improbable. The fact that so many of these homes developed in the same geographical region lends a dreamlike quality to the area. Fitting, as Los Angeles has long been considered the City of Dreams – but I see it more as a “Wonderland.”
BIOGRAPHY
Danny Heller (born 1982) grew up in the San Fernando Valley, CA and earned a BA in Art with an emphasis in paintingfrom the University of California, Santa Barbara. Working in an almost photo-realistic style, his artwork has come to focus on mid-century American imagery, specifically the architecture, design, and car culture found in Southern California. Over the last decade of painting, he has strivedto capture the dynamic vestiges of the 50s and 60s and show how powerful their aesthetics still are. Heller’s world is one of butterfly roof houses, Eames rocker chairs, and 1958 Fords. In addition to being shown regularly in LA and NYC galleries, he has shown internationally in Madrid and Paris, and is included in numerous museum collections. He currently resides in the sunny Coachella Valley with his wife and pack of Chihuahuas.
Danny Heller (born 1982) grew up in the San Fernando Valley, CA and earned a BA in Art with an emphasis in paintingfrom the University of California, Santa Barbara. Working in an almost photo-realistic style, his artwork has come to focus on mid-century American imagery, specifically the architecture, design, and car culture found in Southern California. Over the last decade of painting, he has strivedto capture the dynamic vestiges of the 50s and 60s and show how powerful their aesthetics still are. Heller’s world is one of butterfly roof houses, Eames rocker chairs, and 1958 Fords. In addition to being shown regularly in LA and NYC galleries, he has shown internationally in Madrid and Paris, and is included in numerous museum collections. He currently resides in the sunny Coachella Valley with his wife and pack of Chihuahuas.
RESUME
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EDUCATION
2004 University of California, Santa Barbara; B.A. College of Creative Studies Painting SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2022 Wonderland, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2021 Palm Springs Weekend, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2021 Decade Mini Retrospective, George Billis Gallery booth, Modernism Show, Palm Springs, CA 2019 Tiki Modern, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2019 Birth of the Cool, George Billis Gallery, New York, NY 2018 California Cool, La Fiambrera Gallery, Madrid, Spain 2017 Modern Society, George Billis Gallery, New York, NY 2017 Modern Leisure, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2016 Midcentury Manhattan, George Billis Gallery, New York, NY 2015 City Modernism II, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2014 Vintage New York City, George Billis Gallery, New York, NY 2013 City Modernism, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2012 Future Perfect, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2011 The LAX Series, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2011 Modernism Revisited, Fullerton Museum, Fullerton, CA 2010 Palm Springs Exhibition, Terrence Rogers Fine Art, Palm Springs, CA 2008 Eichlers: A Modern Vision, Terrence Rogers Fine Art, Santa Monica, CA 2007 Suburbia, Terrance Rogers Fine Art, Santa Monica, CA 2007 L.A. Visions, Art Rental & Sales Gallery at the LA County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, CA GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2022 Summer Cityscape Group Show, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2022 Art Auction 2022, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna, CA 2021 Summer Cityscape Group Show, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2021 Art Auction XVIII and Exhibit, Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, CA 2021 Summer Cityscape Group Show, George Billis Gallery, Westport, CT 2021 Art Auction 2021, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna, CA 2020 Cult, Group Show, La Fiambrera Gallery, Madrid, Spain 2020 Summer Cityscape Group Show, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2020 Art Auction 2020," Laguna Art Museum, Laguna, CA 2019 Villianess, Group Show, La Fiambrera Gallery, Madrid, Spain 2019 New Releases, WonderGround Gallery, Disneyland, Anaheim, CA 2019 Summer Cityscape Group Show, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2019 Art Auction XVIII and Exhibit," Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, CA 2019 Art Auction 2019, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna, CA 2018 Space Oddity Group Show, La Fiambrera Gallery, Madrid, Spain 2018 The Cityscape Show VIII, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2018 Summer Group Show, George Billis Gallery, New York, NY 2018 Art Auction 2018, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna, CA 2017 Punk Group Show, La Fiambrera Gallery, Madrid, Spain 2017 The Cityscape Show VII, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2017 Summer Group Show, George Billis Gallery, New York, NY 2017 Art Auction XVII and Exhibit, Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, CA 2017 Art Auction 2017, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna, CA 2016 The Cityscape Show VI, George Billis Gallery LA, Los Angeles, CA 2016 Art Auction 2016, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna, CA 2015 The Cityscape Show V, George Billis Gallery LA, Los Angeles, CA 2015 Summer Group Show, George Billis Gallery, New York, NY 2015 Art Auction 2015, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna, CA 2015 Palm Springs Fine Art Fair, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2014 Artists Council Exhibition, Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs, CA 2014 California Dreaming: An International Portrait of Southern California, Palazzo della 2014 Provincia di Frosinone, Frosinone, Italy; Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside, CA; 2014 Riverside Art Museum, Riverside, CA 2014 The Cityscape Show IV, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2014 Incognito, Santa Monica Museum of Art, Santa Monica, CA 2014 Palm Springs Fine Art Fair, George Billis Gallery Booth, Palm Springs, CA 2014 Art Auction 2014, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna, CA 2013 The Cityscape Show III, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2013 Palette to Palate, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna, CA 2013 Kindred, Bold Hype Gallery, New York, NY 2012 The Cityscape Show II, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2012 The New Real Group Show, Tinney Contemporary, Nashville, TN 2012 Play Me, I’m Your’s art installation, LA Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles, CA 2011 La Luz de Jesus 25 Part 2 group show, La Luz de Jesus Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2011 The Cityscape Show, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2011 Perspectives: Selected Artists, George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2011 Art Auction and Exhibition 14, Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, CA 2010 Metro Neighborhoods Poster Contest winner, Metro Transit Authority Los Angeles 2010 A History of Flight, Terrence Rogers Fine Art, Santa Monica, CA 2010 Foundation Colas 2010 Acquisitions, Foundation Colas, Boulogne-Billancourt, France 2010 As They See It, 941 Geary Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2010 Collector’s Circle Acquisitions 1994-2010, Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, CA 2009 Los Angeles Currents group show, Couturier Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2009 Art Auction 13, featured artist, Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, CA 2009 Open Call, Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2009 Art Auction, Gallery 825, Los Angeles, CA 2009 Everything But The Kitschen Sync, La Luz de Jesus Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 2009 Size Doesn’t Matter, Terrence Rogers Fine Art, Santa Monica, CA PUBLICATIONS 2021 Dominic Bradbury. The Secret Life of the Modern House. Ilex. 2021. Cover art 2021 Atomic Ranch Magazine, "Cool Stuff,” Spring issue 2020 Shoutout LA Online, "Danny Heller – Fine Artist,” June 22 2020 CA Modern Magazine, cover art, Summer issue 2019 American Art Collector Magazine, "Midcentury Spaces,” November issue 2019 American Art Collector Magazine, "Hit The Road,” October issue 2019 American Art Collector Magazine, "California Dreamin’,” August issue 2019 American Art Collector Magazine, "Tiki Modern,” July issue 2019 Luxe Magazine, “Modern Take,” May/June issue 2018 Architectural Digest Spain, “Vida De Barrio,” June issue 2018 Cosmopolitan Magazine Spain, “Arte,” May issue 2018 Yorokobu Magazine Online, “Danny Heller retrata el Mid-century Modern, la cara optimista y yanqui de la Bauhaus europea,” April 24 2018 Arquitectura y Diseño Magazine Online, “El cool californiano en Madrid,” March 27 2017 Car Kulture DeLux Magazine, "Curbside Culture," Fall issue 2017 American Art Collector Magazine, "Architectural Aesthetics," December issue 2017 LA Weekly, “Modern Love,” January 6-12 2016 Menrad, Chris, and Heidi Creighton. William Krisel’s Palm Springs: The Language of 2016 Modernism. Gibbs Smith. 2016. Pg 184 2016 California Home + Design Magazine, “Portraits of Summer,” Summer issue 2016 American Art Collector Magazine, "Midcentury Design,” March issue 2016 Society6 Art Quarterly, Winter issue 2016 Palm Springs Style Magazine, "Danny Heller's Palm Springs," Vol.2 Issue 1 2014 American Art Collector Magazine, "Vintage New York City," October issue 2014 Coachella Valley Weekly, "Danny Heller - Retro/Modernism Painter," May 1-7 2013 Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine Online, "California Painter Pictures Mid-Century L.A.," Oct. 17 2013 CA Home + Design Magazine, "The Art of Suburbia," Summer issue 2013 Dwell Magazine, "Dwell Scenes," June issue 2013 The Desert Sun, "Sunnylands Family Day Highlights Estate's Modernist Design," Feb. 19 2013 Coachella Valley Arts Scene, "Meet Artist Danny Heller at Hotel Lautner," Feb. 14 2012 Dwell Magazine Online, "The Architectural Paintings of Danny Heller,” Dec. 6 2012 Juxtapose Magazine Online, "Danny Heller Paints Midcentury Architecture Now," Nov. 27 2012 The Desert Sun, "Artist: Painting midcentury homes is like opening a time capsule," Nov. 3 2012 KCET Artbound, “Future Perfect: The Midcentury Modern Paintings of Danny Heller,” Oct. 15 2011 Gore, Janice S. La Luz de Jesus 25: The Little Gallery That Could. La Luz de Jesus Press. 2011. Pg 118 2011 McCallum Theatre Program, cover art, 2011/2012 season 2011 L.A. Daily News Newspaper, “Valley Scenes,” Nov. 19, pg. A4 2011 Atomic Ranch Magazine, "Town & Country,” Winter issue 2010 Southwest Art, "City Scenes,” May issue 2010 CA Modern Magazine, cover art, Spring issue 2009 CA Modern Magazine, "Art Imitates Life,” Fall issue 2008 CA Modern Magazine, cover art, Fall issue 2008 Southwest Art, “Artists To Watch,” October 2008 Atomic Ranch Magazine, "Cool Stuff,” Summer issue 2008 CA Modern Magazine, "Inside Tracts,” Summer issue 2007 New American Paintings #73 COLLECTIONS Hilbert Museum of California Art, Chapman University, Orange, CA Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Palm Springs, CA Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, CA Foundation Colas, Paris, France Arquette Collection, Los Angeles, CA |
American Art Collector / October 2022
SHOUTOUT LA / June 2020 American Art Collector / October 2019 American Art Collector / June 2019 Voyage LA Magazine / June 2019 Luxe / May 2019 Atomic Ranch / May 2019 Minus 37 / September 2018 KMIR Desert Living / August 2018 LA Weekly / January 2017 California Home + Design / Summer 2016 American Art Collector / March 2016 American Art Collector / October 2014 Juxtapoz / November 2012 KCET Artbound / October 2012 |
