DANNY HELLER
Artist Statement
My artwork centers on mid-century American architecture and design, once revered for its groundbreaking ideas in form and social planning, but now largely undervalued in a culture that hungers for change.
Working in a realistic style, my paintings capture those settings where mid-century Modernism and environment come together harmoniously. I manipulate lighting, dramatic angles, and layout to form engaging scenes that showcase the dynamic elements of these spaces. Often focusing on Modern suburban tract homes, classic cars, and house interiors, my work exposes this period of innovation to the wider public, and especially to new generations. In doing so, I’m helping to build a new respect for the past, aid in its preservation, and learn from it in order to move forward.
Danny Heller was born in Northridge, CA in 1982. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, the artist was able to carefully study the golden landscape of Los Angeles which would shape his later body of work. For formal art instruction, Danny left the Valley for the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. After formative years spent capturing Santa Barbara’s landscapes, Danny’s attention turned toward retro iconography characteristic of mid-century Los Angeles. Having set up his studio in the Coachella Valley, the artist now concentrates on chronicling Modern American imagery, specifically focusing on the architecture, design, and car culture found throughout the nation.
Working in a realistic style, my paintings capture those settings where mid-century Modernism and environment come together harmoniously. I manipulate lighting, dramatic angles, and layout to form engaging scenes that showcase the dynamic elements of these spaces. Often focusing on Modern suburban tract homes, classic cars, and house interiors, my work exposes this period of innovation to the wider public, and especially to new generations. In doing so, I’m helping to build a new respect for the past, aid in its preservation, and learn from it in order to move forward.
Danny Heller was born in Northridge, CA in 1982. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, the artist was able to carefully study the golden landscape of Los Angeles which would shape his later body of work. For formal art instruction, Danny left the Valley for the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. After formative years spent capturing Santa Barbara’s landscapes, Danny’s attention turned toward retro iconography characteristic of mid-century Los Angeles. Having set up his studio in the Coachella Valley, the artist now concentrates on chronicling Modern American imagery, specifically focusing on the architecture, design, and car culture found throughout the nation.
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PRESS
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 |
