Vibrant voices, A Spotlight on black EXCELLENCE - DanaéR
A 4 part series featuring African American Creatives and Pioneers right in your backyard.
From behind the camera, an artist from Africa, breathes new life into still frames. Danaér, a Ghanaian photographer and graphic designer, with roots in Montreal, creates visual masterpieces, weaving together the diverse threads of tradition, modernity, psychedelia and untold narratives. Drawn to the vibrant and youthful spirit of African culture, Danaér (also known as DVX), seeks to convey this energy through his distinctive work.
Discovering his passion for photography and graphic design at the tender age of eight, Danaér’s artistic journey has been shaped by diverse influences, ranging from iconic visual artists to groundbreaking musicians. Jean Michel Basquiat's ability to create complex yet intriguing artworks has left a lasting impact on Danaér, inspiring him to infuse depth and innovation into his own creations. Additionally, the grungy and psychedelic aesthetic of A$AP Rocky's music and visuals has fueled Danaér’s quest to incorporate a cinematic and razor-sharp visual style into his projects.
Danaér’s commitment to breaking stereotypes is evident in his creative pursuits. He challenges the conventional belief that young black men should prioritize sports, showcasing his passion for photography and graphic design instead. By infusing his work with elements of his cultural heritage, Danaér aims to shatter preconceived notions about creativity within the black community.
In his pursuit of success, Danaér recognizes the challenges that individuals from black communities face in the creative industry. He emphasizes the importance of judging individuals based on their abilities and talents rather than external factors like race and perception. To navigate these challenges, Danaér has diversified his skill set, delving into live collages, motion designs, graphic designs, modeling and website building, being able to brand himself as a digital renaissance man, and the ultimate jack of all trades.
Acknowledging the additional obstacles faced by black individuals in the industry, Danaér highlights the disheartening reality that they are often obligated to undertake tasks that do not align with their morals. Despite these challenges, he believes that the passion and determination within the black community shine through in their art and spirit, showcasing a remarkable drive to overcome obstacles.
As an ambitious young black man, Danaér understands the importance of “trusting the process” and maintaining focus, especially when faced with outside noise and external pressure related to his race. He advocates for staying true to oneself, avoiding the temptation to compromise artistic integrity for societal expectations. With a well designed plan, dedication to hard work, and a variety of skills and talents in his toolbox, Danaér remains poised and excited to unveil new, groundbreaking projects in the near future.
In a world where success is sometimes influenced by factors beyond one’s creative abilities, Danaér’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists. Rejecting the notion of being a sellout, Danaér encourages artists to approach their journey with assertion, ensuring every aspect is executed with precision and allowing success to breathe and thrive over time. Through his lens, Danaér continues to capture the essence of the black american and african spirit, proving that creativity knows no bounds.
