What is the role of art in bringing change to society? How can the act of drawing a portrait combat intolerance? In this poignant talk, visual artist Daniel Connell shares his understanding of how art has been at the center of his work in advocacy for migrants and displaced people in Australia and India.
Daniel’s art is large-scale, often ephemeral, public, and naturalistic. With his portraits he looks into exploring the relationship between artist and subject. The most important relationship of all. As Thomas Carlyle said: “Portraits are small candles which allow biographies to be read.“
Daniel Connell, a visual artist from Adelaide, uses his art to bring change to society. Daniel’s practise is large-scale, often ephemeral, often public, naturalistic portraits which merge into an ongoing practice of work in advocacy for migrants and displaced peoples both in Australia and overseas. He has created public art projects in the UK, Europe, US and Canada.
After living in India for three years and meeting an integral group of people who were to shape his future practise, Daniel’s works are often inspired by Indian people and he is actively involved in the Sikh community in Australia—helping to fight against challenges that newly arrived migrants face in their new country. Currently a PhD Candidate in the School of Art, Architecture and Design at the University of South Australia, Daniel is also a lecturer in portraiture, drawing and painting at Adelaide Central School of Art.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
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This talk is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
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