Every artistic encounter is a unique adventure, and meeting Daniel POP was particularly impactful for me. As an artistic director, dancer, choreographer, and contemporary pedagogue of Romanian origin, Daniel embodies an eclectic and open vision of dance. Trained by iconic figures such as Gigi Caciuleanu, Carolyn Carlson, and Olivier Dubois, his career reflects exceptional cultural and artistic richness.
Holding a degree in contemporary dance and currently pursuing a doctorate in theatrical research, Daniel collaborates with numerous companies and multidisciplinary projects, exploring diverse themes such as the “utopian body” and the intersections of dance and fashion. He also leads ART12PM, a platform for research and creation around the body and hybrid artistic disciplines.
Daniel and I first met during the Men’s Fashion Week at Keith Paris in 2022. That moment marked the start of a beautiful connection. As an artist, I was captivated by his dance: fluid, majestic, and surprisingly supple for such a tall figure. I attended several of his performances, each of them magical. His dance seemed to transcend boundaries, as if his body became a cathedral, embodying his roots and his deep attachment to Transylvania.
When I started contemplating my portraits project, Daniel was an obvious choice. I was invited to create a painting for Event Pitch: When Images Come to Life. The theme seemed made for him. Everything naturally fell into place: we shared our ideas, and I involved him at every step of the creation process, from sketches to color choices to the final painting. This process became a meaningful co-creation, deeply connected to his personal story, including that of his grandfather, a church builder.
For Daniel POP’s portrait, I aimed to explore joy and a pop energy, drawing inspiration from his name. Initially, I chose a green background, but as the painting evolved, I realized it had to be blue. This vibrant blue seemed to capture Daniel’s very essence: it evokes the “blue blood” of Transylvanian legends, a symbol of depth and nobility. The blue, combined with yellow and red accents, also recalls the colors of the Romanian flag, his homeland.
For his figure, I opted for black clothing with blue tones, a choice that reflects his soul and highlights the contrasts of his personality. Every element in the painting was carefully designed to embody the fluidity and grandeur of his movements.
Daniel possesses a gentle yet firm energy. His way of expressing himself through dance is remarkably elegant. I was particularly moved by his performance on Avant-Garde: Special Eternal Gainsbourg. This project, blending multiple art forms, perfectly reflected our shared approach: creating a multidisciplinary experience that transcends boundaries.
The final portrait of Daniel POP captures his vibrant energy and unique essence. It transcends a simple still image, becoming an ode to his artistic journey and singular personality. It’s an invitation to discover not just the artist, but also the man deeply connected to his Transylvanian roots, which he honors and dances through his body.
I’m excited to reunite with the energy and exchanges around this project, made possible by the beautiful collective work we are weaving together.
To learn more about my artistic approach behind the Portraits project, check out the previous article: Portraits: An Intimate Exploration of Inspiring Personalities.