Daniel Coeyman

In his portraits, Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholar Daniel Coeyman seeks to depict the complexity of his subjects. ”My portraits are dialogues with diverse groups of people,” says Daniel, “and I see painting as a way to challenge notions of what a picture does in the world, and how it should be made if it is to be truly meaningful.”

Daniel received an M.F.A. in painting in 2008 from Parsons—The New School for Design. Daniel chose Parsons to pursue his master's in part because of its spirit of diversity, acceptance, and creativity, which he says is mirrored in the school's location: New York City.

As a professional artist, Daniel looks forward to showing his portraits and sharing his content and ideas with large audiences at galleries in New York, as well as with non-art audiences and among diverse communities outside academia and the art world. "At the heart of all my goals is the notion that artists don't exist in a vacuum. I see my work leading me to teach, share, work with, and learn from the people around me." Daniel seeks to make art interactive, and to collaborate on creative projects that address tensions between social groups and help foster communication.

Daniel has won numerous awards for his work, and has volunteered his time teaching creative writing to homeless children. He is also actively involved in the GLBT student community at The New School. “My work, my volunteering, and my paintings come from that impulse to enjoy this life with other people, to come to know them, and to do so in a unique and aesthetic way.”

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