My artwork seeks to attract, entertain, and startle the viewer…. by using subject matter that is at times disturbing, cruel, fun- yet real. Often referencing vintage toys, my work explores the varying relationships between pop culture, our imagination, and fine art.
Having engaged subjects as diverse as Barbie, the human body, and tin toys, my work reproduces familiar visuals. However, these are now arranged into new presentations which confront the viewer, and blur the lines between childhood imagination and real life.
All of my works are oil on canvas, and employ a consistent methodology. For my newer works I have chosen to use a limited color palette, but all of my different projects are linked through the subject matter. During research and production new areas of inspiration arise and lead to the next body of work.
Dan Mullens is a painter, public educator, and collaborator. Born in Indiana, Dan has been a long time resident of Chicago, and studied painting at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Since 2010, Dan’s paintings have been exhibited in private collections from Brooklyn, NY, to Portland, OR.
Follow Dan’s projects on Instagram at /danmullensart.