DANIEL BELARDINELLI

Daniel Belardinelli’s work is striking in its fearlessness. His layered, textual approach to his paintings display an incisive view of the world and often satirical takes on social mores. The bold graphic style present in many of his drawings and paintings are always provocative in style and substance. Often accompanied by detailed, nuanced illustrations, they add another layer of striking social commentary and reveal his sly wit. His is a distinctive style that will always draw you in, with color and composition. A startling message, a daring presentation, an unexpected detail brought to life in a variety of mediums may sometimes shock, but will always speak volumes in his unique style of presenting the truth.

What does it mean to be an artist? Daniel Belardinelli is the ultimate definition thereof with an anointed and creative mind bringing unique vision to his craft. He processes thoughts and feelings regarding all he experiences and witnesses in life through all he touches be it rock or canvas and transforms them in the manner of an alchemist.
The art beckons “Come away with me”, and it is a bumpy thrill ride akin to his nail polish piece “Mood Swing”.
In earlier works nail polish was often utilized in self portraits as caped figures and animals. In recent years the work has evolved into multimedia sometimes revealing the artist through his holy trinity of the 3 B’s: Boxers, Birds, and Ballerinas. The visitor can be drawn in by Belardinelli’s vulnerability and innocence through “Lost Child” and “I’m Too Sensitive for this World”, drawn in by the hope and resiliency in “U-Turn It’s Not Too Late to Change Your Life” and “You Win but I Won”, or be seduced by the virility of “Raw Power” and the humor of “She has bleached blonde hair and a yeast infection.”

Daniel is a self-taught artist, a citizen of the New York City streets where he grew up. His paintings and other works reflect that. They are raw, edgy and gritty. They can also be quite tender. All are thought provoking, provocative, and leave you with a sense that he understands you at a level where few have before. He is fearless in his expression of our collective pain and angst, and he helps us to rage against the machine and our own sins and shortcomings. He is a keen observer and student of humankind and his works are cathartic and therapeutic and a slap in the face all at once. An afternoon or evening spent looking at Daniel’s portfolio of work is an emotional and fully engaging experience. You will be brought to tears and laughter and you will see parts of yourself in every framed image.