Artist Statement
BIO
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 ask them to pick a side; to accept or to reject. 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. A survey of his early work was organized and exhibited by Loft 3A Gallery, and Francie’s Chicago City Gallery in 2010, and 2014, respectively. Follow Dan’s projects on Instagram at danmullensart.
Solo Exhibitions
Group Exhibitions
Loft 3A Gallery. August 13-16, 2010 at 3100 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL.
Francie’s Chicago City Gallery. July 15-17, 2014 at 1945 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL.
Stola Contemporary Art: And Justice For All? April 29- June 16, 2021 at 3738 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL.
CAVA Member’s Show. May 2- May 23, 2021 at 1101 W. Granville Ave, Chicago, IL.
Unladylike: An Art Exhibition of Womanhood. March 31, 2019 at Fire Cat Projects 2124 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
Related professional activities
professional organizations
Chicago Artist’s Coalition (CAC), Since 2018.
Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA) since 2021.