Daniel Man: Insights and Artistic Process

Daniel Man is an artist I have long admired. He is not only incredibly talented but also genuinely nice. What can I say? He’s “The Man.” I was thrilled when he recently agreed to catch up, and this week, we connected via Zoom. Set against the backdrop of his studio in Augsburg, Germany, our conversation offered a glimpse into his current projects and his approach to his work.

Daniel tried to give me a virtual tour of his studio but initially struggled with the camera—where’s the zoom flip-camera feature again? Once we figured it out, he showed me around his workspace, filled with various tools and materials that highlight his hands-on approach. His studio is where all the magic happens—from conceptual brushstrokes to the final touches of paint.

During our chat, Daniel shared insights into the preparation for his upcoming show. He pointed out several canvases around him, explaining that some of the pieces were part of a new series, while others were destined for different exhibitions. This peek into his working environment revealed a dynamic and ongoing creative process, emphasizing his commitment to evolving his art.

Daniel has had an incredible career, starting as a street artist in the '80s, emulating the vibrant street art scene of New York at that time. Back then, he was known as “Codeak.” Tomislav Topic recalls approaching Daniel as he was creating a large-scale mural and being surprised at how open Daniel was to talking and sharing his experiences.

As time passed, Daniel’s work evolved to include more traditional formats, which now constitute the main body of his work. During our conversation, he explained that these works are constructed in layers. This methodical approach to building up a piece involves more than just applying color; it's about creating depth and interaction between the shapes and colors. Each layer contributes to the overall narrative of the work, developed through a thoughtful process of addition and reflection.

When discussing how he knows a piece is complete, Daniel offered a fascinating insight: he doesn’t follow a strict timeline but feels the completion of his works intuitively. Art, for him, is an ongoing dialogue—a conversation that concludes not when he decides but when there is nothing more to say (don’t you love how artists think?). This philosophy underlines a deep connection to his work, allowing the creative process to flow naturally.

What I love about Daniel’s work is his visual language, a bold approach to color and form. His pieces showcase fluid interactions of abstract forms and vibrant colors, merging both sharp and smooth lines. His compositions are complex and feature layers of organic and geometric shapes that intertwine and overlap on the surface of the canvas, as they create a sense of depth and movement. The kinetic energy his work has is due to the use of shadows and highlights, and amplified by the strategic placement of curvilinear and angular lines.

Daniel often works on multiple pieces at once, which allows him to shift focus and maintain creative momentum. This multitasking is crucial as it accommodates drying times and helps him manage the physical constraints of painting.

Interestingly, Daniel mentioned that while he produces only about 10 to 15 finished pieces each year, this output is significant given the depth of engagement each work demands. His productivity reflects not just physical creation but also the mental and emotional investment in each piece.

Our discussion also touched on the practical aspects of being an artist, such as managing relationships with galleries and navigating the intricacies of art pricing, which he handles with careful consideration to maintain both his integrity and his partnerships.

Daniel’s passion for his craft was evident throughout our conversation. He remains deeply engaged with his work, constantly exploring new ideas and techniques, and incredibly humble despite his considerable success.