Gazette / 2007
Artist Hughes Creates Powerful Images By Julian Bermudez Gazette Arts Writer Last spring, Danny Hughes exhibited several of his paintings at Christy’s Ristorante. The show featured works representing silhouettes of angels along with foreign symbols designed to help each viewer become present in the moment. Crafted with oils, naturally weathered paper, and resin, the works projected an aged look captivating and mystifying audiences. Now, Hughes is attempting to capture more individuals with his latest exhibition at the Paradise Piano Bar and Restaurant. “Danny Hughes: Spiritual Expressionist” features new works along with a selection of earlier pieces. Following the same approach and techniques, the artist continues on his path of producing works meant to unleash the spiritual power within us all. “I’m redistributing energy that’s already there,” Hughes said in an earlier interview. “Each piece is given a certain energy that touches the individual once they look at it.” Indeed, the pieces themselves emanate a kind of force; a glow that transcends mere paintings. Perhaps that is due to the fact that the texts displayed represent the divine three-letter combinations known as the 72 Names of God. According to Hughes’s Web site, these texts are known well throughout the Kabbalist community. The “names” are actually energy fields, or visual mantras, defined as “the key to ridding depression, stress, creative stagnation, anger, illness and other physical and emotional problems.” From an artistic point of view, the works are simple in a dramatic way. The works are not too busy. An iconic image dominates the space without overwhelming the canvas. Also, the shape of the texts themselves is very clean and geometric. This combination of clean lines, warm hues and the artist’s technique of using older materials results in the viewer being transformed. With titles such as “Reborn,” “Believe” or “Dispel,” how could any individual not feel empowered to change their own life? “Hughes’s paintings reveal a daring talent, an intimate raw expression as they entice and excite, inviting the viewer to experience an unleashing of spirit,” according to Paradise’s press-release. “Hughes throws open the floodgates to the boundless possibilities of expression that his work allows.” When meeting Hughes, you discover that there is a quiet energy about him. His manner is serene and calm, leaving you with a sense of joy and kindness towards others. “The purpose of this work is to aid in giving the planet back to itself, one beautiful soul at a time,” Hughes said. “The symbology connects us to energy forces that are already present within each one of us.” “Spiritual Expressionist” is worth viewing, especially if you have not seen any of Hughes’s works in the past. Conversely, if you have, there isn’t anything different in terms of the artist’s style or approach. Nor does there have to be. Hughes has discovered his niche. He has found his calling to become an artist as well as a messenger for active-change in oneís life.