Daniel Cristian Cîmpeanu (also known as Daniel Chriss) is an emerging artist making a strong impression among European collectors, from Romania to France, Denmark, and Great Britain. In just two and a half years of activity, his paintings have entered the collections of notable personalities, such as actor Christopher Lambert and the Romanian ambassador to Denmark. Among the prestigious venues that have hosted his works are the Casino of Cluj, the Youth Center of Cluj, and the Romanian Embassy in Denmark. With impressive artistic prolificacy, Cîmpeanu has created over 300 paintings, most of them unique, and their value continues to increase as the artist develops his style.

Artistic Training and Journey

Cîmpeanu began his artistic journey at the age of 42, in an apparently innocent moment, when his daughter, wanting to spend quality time with her father, suggested they start drawing together. Daniel, driven by a creative compulsion he describes as "involuntary, consuming, and overwhelming," created his first canvas work the day after that activity. And since then, the rest is history. The flame of creation was forever lit in his soul.

Having an artistic nature, he played piano from an early age and dreamed of becoming a singer, but influenced by life's vicissitudes, family responsibilities, and a divine sign in a moment of crisis, he gave up these dreams and followed the path of priesthood.

Daniel, much like established masters, is a natural autodidact who, through his inner strength, discipline, and creative gift, defies conventional norms imposed by academies and formal institutions. Through his raw and assiduous work, he has created a colossal volume of pieces in just two years since his unexpected debut.

His first exhibition in Dej, on March 13, 2023, marked his official debut and gave him the confidence and determination necessary to continue on this artistic path, for which he was predestined.

Style and Technique

Daniel Chriss stands out through a style he calls "instinctive impressionism," a deeply personal blend of impressionist impulses and expressionist elements. In his first year, he worked with acrylics and brushes, but after the March 2023 exhibition, he decided to abandon replicas, focusing exclusively on original oil works. Currently, he predominantly uses the palette knife, through which he explores and perfects his unique mode of expression. This technique allows him to create rich textures and gestural forms that seem to vibrate on canvas, giving his works a distinct energy and vitality.

Unanimously, through connoisseur circles, his style is described as one that "hides mysteries behind mysteries."

Themes and Inspiration

His paintings explore varied emotions, from joy and optimism to chaos and introspection, transmitting a "pure emotion" that speaks directly to the viewer's soul. For Cîmpeanu, the canvas becomes a conversation partner, a sacred space where he communicates the incomprehensible and unrest, bringing peace and self-confidence. Among the artists who inspire him is Daniel Wall, whose play of vivid and life-filled colors is reflected in Daniel's works.

Vision for the Future

Daniel Chriss intends to transmit "emotion, in all its forms" and bring his artistic energy to as many homes and galleries as possible, both in Romania and abroad.

This sincere desire is felt in every canvas he creates. In his words:

"I wish for a part of my soul's energy to beautify as many lives as possible."

Exhibitions

2023, March 13 - Municipal Museum, Dej

2023 - Youth Center, Cluj

2023 - Casino, Cluj

2024, September 2 - Romanian Embassy in Denmark

Daniel Chriss and Christopher Lambert