Russell Simmons and Danny Simmons, founders of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, will celebrate their 12th annual Art For Life East Hampton benefit gaga this Saturday (July, 30) at Russell’s East Hampton estate.
PHOTOS: Russell Simmons’ 12th Annual Art For Life East Hampton Benefit
Speaking of hanging out in the Hamptons and art, Danny Simmons is the featured artist on Hamptons.com ‘Artists Among Us’ webpage. Founder and President of the Rush Arts Gallery, Danny talks to the website about his love for the Hamptons, influential artists and his upcoming shows for 2011.
Danny is continuously a busy man in the art world as co-founder and Chairman of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which provides disadvantaged urban youth with arts access and education opportunities, co-executive producer of the HBO series Def Poetry Jam and author/publisher of Three Days As the Crow Flies, I Dreamed My People Were Calling But I Couldn’t Find My Way Home and 85.
Danny values the Hamptons as a place where he can get away from the bustle of Brooklyn and feel the nature, the quiet and the history of the art making process. He tributes artists such as Wilfredo Kam, Jackson Pollock, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cy Twombly and Norman Lewis as his greatest influences and says that they “have taught (him) how to access spiritual energy and find (his) inner voice.” With three solo shows coming this fall, we’re all excited to see what Danny has been working on.
Photos of Danny Simmons’ current art work titled ‘Searching For The Ju Ju’ after the jump.
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“The Ju Ju Man’s One Man Band” oil and charcoal on paper, 2011.
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“Cosmic Water Spirit” oil on Congo bark cloth, 2011.
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“Whispers From The Medicine Man’s Pouch” oil on canvas, 2011.
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“A Few Notes From An Old Song” oil on Congo bark cloth, 2011.
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“Dancin’ Thru Da Spirits,” oil on Congo bark cloth, 2011.
