Dannika Sullivan is an oil painter based in Portland, Oregon. Her passion for art started at a young age when she began drawing with graphite, but her style began to develop when she was introduced to pastel pencils in college, which allowed her to branch out into a new world of color and texture. Now Dannika has found her new love in oil painting, creating realistic portraits and studies of objects and scenes that play with a mix of colors and styles. She is dedicated to continually experimenting with the paint and finding new ways to express emotions, thoughts, and states of mind she can’t find the words to explain. She often uses art to tap into the truth behind the masks we put on to hide our emotions in today’s modern world, but also attempts to reach for those moments of peace and presence that we too often take for granted.

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Between Shadows and Light: Portraits of our Complex Condition

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In Dannika’s most recent paintings, she attempts to explore the struggle between disillusionment with society while striving to remain hopeful. She delves into the cognitive dissonance of trying to maintain optimism and positivity amidst pervasive doom and gloom. Without hope, there is a risk of burnout and succumbing to fatalism and apathy—an easy trap in today's world. These paintings attempt to express the tension felt between being saddened and angered by the state of the world, and living in denial, going about daily lives as if nothing is happening. Perhaps it's possible to exist as complex humans, simultaneously embracing sadness, anger, joy in little moments, and hope in our community. By acknowledging and utilizing both negative and positive emotions, meaningful action can be taken toward a greater goal, but it is always a struggle.

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