Biography

Danielle Gadus (b. 1998, Chicago, IL) currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. A current MFA candidate at Pratt Institute with an expected graduation in Spring 2025. Her work reflects an exploration of sensuality and somatic modes of perception. Relying primarily on silk as a medium, the work engages transdisciplinary processes including spatial installation, gestures of performance, and lens based realizations. Embodying fluidity and movement through an array of methods and forms, ephemerality and constant change are a throughline in her practice. 

Her work has recently been included in exhibitions locally and internationally [full list] in addition to an array of artist-led collaborative exhibitions and happenings across New York City and Brooklyn. Danielle regularly hosts and curates salon style exhibitions, art focused dinners and talks in her studio apartment in addition to contributing to a monthly column for Envy Magazine highlighting artists that exemplify practices of supporting and fostering their local communities.

Notes on process:

The treatment of material in my work is rooted in a shibori resist dye ideology. The shibori process begins by first intentionally binding the fabric tight, then surrendering to the unknown as the silk is bathed and dyed to produce unknown and unexpected patterns. The dynamics of subtle, intentional movements vs. the dance of letting go and acceptance is at play. These seemingly opposite energies combine and merge to act as polarities in unison. These conflicting ideals work to animate and vibrate. Bringing life and action into being. To hold space for both, allows a sense of freedom.

Approach

exploring the duality of intentional action / letting go : tension / release : love / strife

inviting entropic phenomena to alter material and impact form

approaching the act of creation with no set plan or expectations

an element of chaos arises in these moments of spontaneity and a process of allowing the unknown to unfold occurs

engaging subtle qualities of experience

(texture, sense of time, perception, light + shadow, movement, etc)

pushing the boundaries of composition to include the ephemeral

allow attention and energetic focus to shift . . . engage new realms and alternative perspectives

. . . invoke a sense of freedom

Codes

. . . allow room for :

[chance, error, flow]

. . . highlight the essence*

*zoom in here