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Daniel Popper, thinking big
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After attending the 2007 edition of AfrikaBurn, a regional Burning Man affiliate event, Popper began to experiment with installations and performing arts. His first notable commissioned work was at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
In 2014 Daniel Popper created a memorial stature ‘Tree of Wisdom’ dedicated to Nelson Mandela at the Nelson Mandela School of Science and Technology
Among Popper’s notable festival artworks and installations are ‘Boom Shaman’ made for the 2016 edition of Boom Festival; ‘Reflection’ at AfrikaBurn in the same year, ‘Anima’ for the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas in 2019 and ‘Modem Swamp’ for the Modem Festival in Croatia in the same year.
One of his latest creations named ‘Transmission’ at the Mojave Moon Ranch in Joshua Tree made in 2021:”Overlooking the landscape, a giant being emerges from the landscape with giant hands transmitting energy and light for visitors to pass through as they enter and exit the gateway..”
What was the starting point of your creative journey?
I started with an interest in traditional arts, Figurative drawing and then went into puppetry. I also had a passion for electronic music and so naturally went into stage and production design. Over time the lines became blurred and I began creating figurative sculptural works of art for Elecctronic music festivals. After some time this work then moved into permanent public art, working with botanical landscapes and natural environments.
In the current difficult situation in the world (pandemic, war, etc) what is the role of art and artist?
I think the role of the artist is to express themselves and their personal truth. I think if an artist is sincere and has a relationship with their soul, humanity will resonate and inspire others.
All your art-works are mesmerising. But if you have to choose one (or two) of your works, what would it be? The most significant to your regard one?
It’s very difficult, I have a love-hate with all of my work. Each one is a journey that comes with complexity and struggle. Some of my favorite struggles was The Transmission piece in Joshua Tree and the Modem Swamp piece in Croatia.
How much time does the production of one sculpture take? For example, “Transmission”?
It can take 6 months on average.
What would be a collaboration of your dream, if you can choose any living or even last artist?
I would love to work with musicians, namely guys like Black Coffee and rapper – Kendrick Lamar – these guys art shines through and speaks to a universal soul. It’s powerful and inspires me everyday.
Profound connection of human to nature is in the core of your creativity. As an artist but also as a human-been, do you feel sometimes a need to totally disconnect from the outer world in order to concentrate on your art?
Yes absolutely – the phone is my biggest enemy. Designed to completely hijack my mind. I have to force myself to disconnect and engage with true internal nature through meditation and yoga and then spend time walking in nature. I live in Cape Town surrounded the some of the world’s most epic scenery, so Its a real treat for the soul to spend time connecting with nature here.
Spirituality is another element which emerges in every or your art-objects. Where does it come from?
Yes, this is a broad topic. However, my journey with spirituality has been a mixture of learning all aspects of individuation. Working with Jungian therapy and Psychedelics I found a sense of truth that is constantly unfolding. Also my wife Samantha and our two daughters are the centre from which it is all possible. Navigating a happy relationship with your partner and kids is the highest form of spirituality and when it’s working with love and respect all else can blossom.
You have collaborated with Wayne Visual Ellies to digitalise your creations. Can you tell us about this experience?
Wayne and I have worked for many years at music festivals – incorporating projection mapping technology and 3D animation with the statues. It’s really amazing and fun to have this whole other life emerge from the artwork at night. It’s always very inspiring and I absolutely love incorporating this medium whenever possible.
Can you share with us the current projects you are working on?
I am working on many new projects. One of the most exciting ones will be revealed at the end of 2023 in Wynwood Miami.
I am also working on a collectible range. I am finally playing around with my passion for Designer toy collectibles. I have launched my first one with Tendai which did really well and have 3 more planned for 2023.
Loads of exciting stuff happening in Bali 2023 will see a host of new projects all over the world in Cyprus, Portugal, Indonesia and Texas and Miami .
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