DAN GUNN’s work draws on the visual language and cultural folklore of the American Midwest, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary practices. Through intricate wooden draperies, paper collages, and ceramic sculptures, Dan explores human relationships, memory, and a deep sense of place both past and present.

Known for his two-dimensional wooden draperies, Gunn begins each work by draping and studying fabric samples, envisioning them in wood. He carefully selects wood based on its historical and cultural resonance, meticulously assembling each piece. Gunn’s practice blurs the line between craft and fine art, resulting in artworks that are both conceptually rich and materially distinct.

DAN GUNN received an MFA in Painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Recent solo exhibitions include Geary, Millerton, NY; KMAC Contemporary Art Museum, Louisville, KY; moniquemeloche, Chicago, IL; The University Club of Chicago, Chicago, IL; and Good Weather Gallery, North Little Rock, AR.

Gunn has also participated in group presentations at Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, OH; Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, MO; Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst, IL; the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri; Elephant Gallery, Nashville, TN; University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, Western Exhibitions, Chicago, IL; Marine Contemporary, Santa Monica, CA; Art Los Angeles Contemporary, Los Angeles, CA; MCO (Museum of Contemporary Art), Chicago, IL; the Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago, IL; Lloyd Dobler Gallery, Chicago, IL; the Loyola University Museum of Art, Chicago, IL; and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City, IN. Gunn was awarded residencies at the Wassaic Project (2021), University of Arkansas (2019), Anderson Ranch Art Center (2018); Vermont Studio Center (2015); and The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, ME (2012).  
 
Public collections include the DePaul University School of Music, Chicago, IL; Fidelity Corporate Art Collection; Kentucky Museum of Art and Crafts, Louisville, KY; Marciano Art Foundation, Los Angeles, CA; TD Bank, New York, NY; and The Joyce Foundation, Chicago, IL.

Image Credit: KMAC Contemporary Art Museum, Louisville, KY & Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, OH.