By: Chieloka Anadu
For Daniel Cleal, a Caribbean English artist hailing from North London, the canvas is not just a surface, it is a space where chaos and enlightenment shake hands. Now based in the United States, Daniel brings a high-energy, multidisciplinary approach to the gallery, creating work that serves as a bridge between his roots and his evolving artistic journey.
His practice is a vivid interrogation of the human experience, blending the raw edge of street and tribal art with the sophisticated nuances of colour theory and expressionism.
Daniel’s process is deeply tied to the “vibe” of the moment. Whether he is working in London or across the Atlantic, his ritual remains sacred: prepping a solid base on the canvas and immersing himself in music. The soundscape ranging from energetic and positive to grounding and calm dictates the rhythm of his hand.
In his abstract works, Daniel embraces a non-structured, adaptive approach. He allows the idea to evolve in real-time, capturing the entirety of his emotions through a “marble” layering technique. Using palette knives, marble textures, and acrylic paint, he builds a sense of depth that practically demands the viewer stop and look closer. “I am capturing the entirety of my emotions,” he says, “ensuring that I’m truly embracing the colour.”
While his abstracts are a whirlwind of spontaneity, Daniel’s portraits offer a change of pace. These works are born from a slower, more meticulous process of sketching and re-illustrating until the lines feel “tight.”
Once the composition is mapped onto the canvas, he begins a surgical application of brushstrokes, markers, and linework. The result is a striking hybrid of traditional art and pop-culture aesthetics, portraits that feel both timeless and contemporary, vibrating with the energy of his North London upbringing.
Daniel is fascinated by the interplay of opposites. His palette moves between deep, brooding tones and neon vibrance, often incorporating glow-in-the-dark pigments, glitters, and flakes. This materiality is inspired by a lineage of bold creators, from the frantic genius of Jean-Michel Basquiat in his youth to the intricate “Acrylic Alchemy” of contemporary artist Michael Carini.
For Daniel, the goal is to create a visual representation of the memories and core beliefs that shape us. His work suggests that our surroundings and our experiences are embedded in our subconscious, surfacing only when we choose to look deeper.
When the creative flow stalls, Daniel doesn’t fight the stagnation. Instead, he immerses himself in diverse musical genres, reading, or writing. He is an artist who understands the value of the “fresh eye,” often stepping away from a piece for weeks or months until a new perspective reveals itself. This patience ensures that every piece, once finally varnished and dry, is a true reflection of his vision.
If you were to stand before one of Daniel’s pieces and it were to speak, it would offer a gentle but firm challenge: “Abstract is harder than people think. Always look deeper.” It is an invitation to move past the initial explosion of colour and find the intention beneath the texture.
Participating in the Blossom exhibition is a milestone that is as personal as it is professional. For an artist who has moved away from his home city, exhibiting in London is a “blessing” that keeps his connection to his roots alive.
“Personally, it keeps me connected to the city I grew up in,” Daniel shares. “Professionally, it shows I’m on the right path.” As his talent continues to grow and his skills are honed, Daniel Cleal remains an artist who isn’t afraid to let the chaos bloom into something beautiful.
Follow Daniel’s Journey on Instagram: Ernestoabstractjoy
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