Self-taught, multidisciplinary artist and designer Daniel Hicks (b. 1974, New York) utilizes a range of materials from found to fabricated to create minimal, non-objective work characterized by subtle structural idiosyncrasies, graphic irregularities, and compositional clarity. Spanning both digital and physical media, his pieces incorporate an ever-expanding array of materials, including upcycled paper products, reconfigured wood off-cuts, repurposed plastic elements, and state-of-the-art machine-cut metal components. His insistence on subtractive methods of creation, grid-based design principles, and a deliberately narrow color palette allows him to transmit a coherent visual language while navigating multiple avenues of expression.
Thematically, he explores the unwarranted tension between imperfection and precision, the interplay between space and congestion, and the daunting societal/environmental issues related to “disposable culture.” By establishing material limitations at the outset of creation and prioritizing resourcefulness whenever possible, Daniel ensures that his opposition to “throwaway society” is apparent in both practice and principle, from studio to gallery, underscoring his dedication to civic-minded creative methods and outcomes.
To further promote his work—as well as the principles and methods on which it is based—he believes accessibility and affordability are crucial. Therefore, he intentionally offers works at a range of locations and price points, breaking down logistical and financial barriers and ensuring genuine human engagement across diverse local and global communities.
Daniel's work can be viewed online, in publications, or in person at galleries and boutiques, both domestically and internationally.
Currently, Daniel works and resides in San Diego, California.