Gazette / 2009
Artist Inspires With Show At FORA By Julian Bermudez Gazette Arts Writer Published: Wednesday, April 1, 2009 11:00 AM PDT The last time I reviewed a show featuring works by Danny Hughes, I remember being transfixed by the sheer beauty, imagination and magic that emanated from his art. This time around, with a new exhibit that is up at FORA, none of that has changed. Yet everything has changed. Hughes’s works are comprised of mixed media, collage, oil and resin embedded onto hand-made wooden panels. They include weathered paper from old bibles, newsprint or other books, which are used to create an aged look. Subject matter ranges from nigh-realistic images of winged beings to silhouettes of symbols expressing a deeply-rooted mysticism that has long been known to help guide individuals in myriad ways. In fact, during my first interview with Hughes, my best friend Zack kept gravitating towards a particular work from the “72 Names” series. Without sounding too New-Agey, I asked Hughes to describe the work of art. There was an instant connection between the artwork and the two men. Hughes explained that his painting was meant to inspire the person to believe in his own self, to stop listening to the voices discouraging growth. After this description, Zack asked Hughes to reveal the title of the work, and sure enough, its name encapsulated its overall message: “Rise Up.” My friend was amazed. Apparently, he had been in this trap of self-doubt and was seeking guidance, but wasn’t sure how to get it. The magic that exists in Hughes’ art stems from a reciprocal connection between his creations and himself. Inspiration guides him. And, according to him, he is merely redistributing energy that is already there. Each piece is given a certain energy that touches the individual once they look at it. “When I’m creating, I’m in a state of bliss,” Hughes said in 2006. “Time stands still.” Today, Hughes’ commitment and joy continues. In this new exhibit, “STILL,” Hughes has created as series of powerful landscapes illustrating the image of the tree. Dark in its silhouette and yet filled with whimsy and joy, each work expresses the importance of nature, and how our world cannot survive without it. Each “tree,” if you will, conveys a unique message about a greater purpose designed for mankind. Teaching, believing and giving are but a few words describing the moods of the art works. Hughes has found his true calling, his reason for being. Through his art, he has become a messenger, expressing connections that exist between all of us. In his own way, he has become a living embodiment for active change in one’s life. This is the very same element he seeks to express through his art. Although the subject matter has changed, the overall message has not. “STILL” is more than a beautiful and imaginative show worth viewing. It is a necessary dose of inspiration that could not come at a better time.