DAN'S PAPERS, August 29, 2008 Page 49 www.danshamptons.com
Who’s Here
Mark Blackshear
By Debbie Tuma Although many artists may be lucky enough to get solo openings at art galleries in the Hamptons, not every artist is lucky enough to have them coincide with his or her birthday. But on August 16, artist Danny Simmons celebrated his 55th birthday one day early with a private opening party at Walk Tall Gallery in East Hampton. Danny was happily surrounded by his family, including his brothers, hip-hop record producer Russell Simmons, and pioneer rapper Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons of Run-DMC. Russell, who lives in the Hamptons, was accompanied by his two daughters, Ming and Aoki. (Coincidentally, Aoki’s birthday was also August 16.) “My niece and I got to celebrate our birthdays the following day, Sunday, with another party at my brother Russell’s house here, with our whole family,” said Danny. “Although I live and work in Brooklyn, many of my family members live and come out here in the Hamptons. My brothers are big supporters of my art, and Russell is also a big collector of art.” With two creative parents — Danny’s mother, Evelyn, painted as a hobby, and his father, Daniel, Sr., was a writer and college professor of black history at Pace University — it’s no wonder that all three Simmons boys became professionals in the arts. Danny started out as a social worker, and along the way got his masters in public administration. “But I always created art, which I learned from my mother, and as a kid I drew comic books. After eight years as a social worker, I told my mother I wanted to be a full-time artist,” he said. “She said, ‘Go ahead and follow your dream — we won’t let you starve,’ and it was this family encouragement that got me started in my art career.” The first show he had was at Russell’s office in SoHo, about 25 years ago. Since then, Danny, an abstract expressionist, has had numerous exhibits around the country, including those at Chase Manhattan Bank, the United Nations, the Schomburg Center for Black Culture and various galleries. He first showed in the Hamptons several years ago, at Merz Gallery in Sag Harbor, and he also showed at Walk Tall Gallery last year. Of his abstract art at his new exhibit, “Danny Simmons: Solo at Walk Tall Gallery,”
Danny Simmons Artist Danny said, “I would consider them spiritual paintings, like I’m channeling God’s spirit or those of my ancestors. Something greater than me is doing the painting.” Wendy Wachtel, owner of Walk Tall Gallery, said, “I love his work because it is joyous and
where he shows the cuttingedge work of young, emerging artists, and Corridor Gallery in Brooklyn. His mission as an artist is not just to create art, but to share his passion and inspire younger artists. He and Russell started the well-known Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation in 1994, which has a budget of $2 million to help expose disadvantaged youth to the arts. This institute helps to educate kids through classes, museum trips and school programs. “The most important thing for me is to help inspire these kids, and to share some of their stories, through our art program,” he said. “These kids don’t have a lot, and art gives them a way to think creatively. By thinking outside the box, we hope to open their minds to new possibilities, and hopefully improve their lives.” Simmons, who is divorced, has one son, Jamel, 31, who designs his own clothing line which is sold in his new store, Lolli, in New York City. Danny and Russell may be best known for their famous “Def Poetry Jam” on HBO, which was a concept started by Danny, and a business deal worked out by Russell. They won a Peabody Award for the TV show, and a Tony Award for the play, Def Poetry on Broadway, in 2004. In addition to painting, Danny’s other passion is writing; so far he has published four books, and is working on another. His first book, Three Days As the Crow Flies, is about the exploding Lower East Side art scene during the 1980s. His second book, Def Poetry on Broadway, is an anthology of poems, and his third book, I Dreamed My People Were Calling But I Couldn’t Find My Way Home, is another collection of 25 of his poems and 25 of his paintings. In his fourth book, 85, Danny once again combines his writing with artwork in what he calls a “graphic novel.” “I am now writing a book about the memories that my two brothers and I have of our father,” he said. “I’m in the process of interviewing them about their remembrances of our dad, who worked for the board of education and taught college, but was secretly an amazing poet.” After his current exhibit at Walk Tall Gallery closes on Labor Day, Danny will be gearing up for his next show, which will be held at the Savannah School of Art and Design, and run from October through December. In February, he will be showing again in Manhattan. For more information, visit thecorridorgallery.org.
“After 8 years as a social worker, I told my mother I wanted to be a fulltime artist. She said, ‘... follow your dream — we won’t let you starve.’” positively energized. He lifts us up into his atmosphere, and lets us spin in this world, alongside all of the dancing, living, floating elements he offers us.” Danny also owns two non-profit art galleries of his own — Rush Arts Gallery in Chelsea,