From fine art to animation, and everything that’s in between, Daniel Dover builds upon his vast array of technical skills to manifest his creativity in different and exciting mediums. He has marked his path from Tel Aviv, through Europe, and to his current home in New York, with one prestigious project after another. It’s astounding to see the versatility with which Dover expresses his eclectic styles – and no matter what form his work may take, it’s sure to be an utter game changer.
Dover has never been afraid of charging headfirst into new and challenging mediums in order to produce his wild ideas. When asked about his broad spectrum of artistic forms, Daniel cites necessity as a common motivator. “When I find a good idea or story I want to bring to life, I’ll try my hardest to first find the best medium or format in which to present it most comprehensively.”
During the limbo of the pandemic lockdowns, Dover accomplished yet another impressive feat: creating and producing his own animated cartoon series, titled ‘Bernard & Ralph – and The Beach-House Gang’. The series, which was published under the pen name ‘Ginz-Burg,’ revolves around a group of highly dysfunctional animals, all living together in a communal halfway house in New York City. Each character in the group represents a different mental or social disorder, or at times even a few together. The show explores the ramifications of these animals’ respective mental states, how it affects them both personally and in their interactions with others. Even though the cartoon examines a broad range of sensitive and difficult issues, including social isolation, depression, and anxiety, the personal and humorous qualities of the story allow for a more comfortable space in which to deal with these subjects.
Dover is continuing to produce ‘Bernard & Ralph – and The Beach-House Gang’ as a series of cartoon shorts, as well as actively working towards opportunities to turn it into a longer-form show. Dover is also developing several other cartoon show concepts, while also continuing to communicate with studios, as he’s always itching to bring his innovative arsenal of characters to life on a variety of platforms.
Daniel Dover’s current work in animation is a direct extension of the attitudes he embodied when he started his artistic career. In 2007, his street art series of gas-masked characters began to surface around Tel Aviv. Within the next two years, he became identified with a wide range of urban interventions, and his street art images grew increasingly diverse. One such artistic undertaking was his conception and painting of the animated escalators inside the entrance of Tel Aviv’s City Hall. Dover’s playful piece hit the internet and immediately went viral, and has also remained in commission to this day.
After moving to New York, Dover shifted his focus to animation projects, while still exhibiting his artwork in many various forms, with shows in Tel-Aviv, around Europe, and New York City. No matter the place, format, or subject, everything adds up to one prolific artist, willing to go the distance and do what it takes to bring his artwork to the forefront of his field. Whether it’s using spray paint, ink, ready-made sculpture, or other media, Daniel Dover is a master of creating a visually sharp statement that projects a fragile truth about complex human and social systems. His work has been reviewed in many prestigious publications; Huffington Post, The LA Times, European Pressphoto Agency, The Guardian, and many more.
There is an unmistakable ardor in Dover’s voice when he speaks of his current and upcoming creative ventures, and there’s no telling where this unconventional artist and animator will show up next. Whether in a gallery exhibition, our TV screens or the pavement beneath our feet, Daniel Dover surprises each time with new and innovative ways to present his art. His work has amassed a devout following that’s itching to see more of him, and soon. Regardless of location, medium or narrative, I for one am eager to see what this eccentric artist has in store for us.
Daniel Dover:
Bernard & Ralph – and the Beach-House Gang – ‘Empire-State Elephant’
