May 3rd – June 1st, 2025Matt Dangler was born in 1984 in New Jersey. He graduated in 2006 with a BFA in Illustration from Uarts, Philadelphia PA, while there he won awards for his representation of the Human Figure, outstanding achievement in illustration, and for demonstrating inherent sincerity, intensity, and dedication to illustration. Dangler illustrated the children’s books: “Faeryland” (from Abrams Publishing 2013) written by John Matthews and “The Secret History of Mermaids” (from Templar Publishing 2009) written by Professor Ari Berk. He has participated in dozens of gallery exhibitions, including seven solo exhibitions. Dangler’s artwork can be found in private collections throughout the world.
Artist Statement
There is a place within us; quiet, unseen, where wonder once lived without question. Over time, we forget. We drift from that inner landscape, pulled outward by the noise of the world, until the soft, warm light of the soul grows dim beneath the surface.
The Forgotten Realm is a return to that hidden terrain. These paintings are fragments of a dream-language, symbols from the edges of memory and myth. They are not meant to explain, but to remind us that the light within is patiently waiting; for us to return, to escape the glow in our hands, and embrace the glow in our soul.
This realm invites close attention, and the more you look, the more it looks back at you.
These paintings were created using a glazing technique that involved over 30 layers of translucent paint to achieve their final opacity. Rather than relying on a single thick layer, the buildup of glazes allows for greater luminosity and intricate detail. For comparison, my earlier works typically used only about six layers.These pieces took months to complete, not weeks, due to both the labor-intensive process and the depth of conceptual exploration involved. They represent a deeper investment of technique, time, and passion.
Beyond the technique, I see these works as a benchmark, an example of what I’ve been striving to achieve. They mark a turning point, setting the tone for the next chapter of my career.
