Canary Islands Artist Danihace Finds Joy in Local Markets and Global Collaborations

Danihace is an artist whose work is instantly recognisable. His vibrant colours, distinctive characters, and unique way of capturing the spirit of the Canary Islands have made him a prominent figure for those seeking art with a strong sense of identity. Originally from Gran Canaria, he recently experienced a career highlight: collaborating with HiperDino for their 40th anniversary. He designed illustrations for bags, mugs, towels, and other items that became popular keepsakes for many Canarians. This isn't his only major partnership; brands like Hyundai have also valued his fresh and genuine approach, which skillfully blends tradition with modernity.

However, Danihace feels most at home at local markets across the Canary Islands. There, through casual chats and knowing smiles, he connects with people who see themselves in his art and appreciate his dedication to local culture. His illustrations, which sometimes bridge the Canary Islands and Japan due to his admiration for Japanese culture, resonate with diverse audiences through their warmth, humour, and authenticity. In this interview, he invites us into his creative world, offering insight into the art that has become an integral part of the Islands' emotional landscape.

When and how did the 'Danihace' brand begin?

The Danihace brand emerged when I felt overwhelmed by the repetitive design work I was doing for others. I needed to reconnect with myself and with what has always brought me joy in creative pursuits. So, with some friends, we started weekly drawing challenges. We'd pick a theme and illustrate it purely for our own enjoyment.

One day, a fellow artist suggested we participate in a market in Las Palmas. We decided to showcase the work we'd created just for fun, and that's how Danihace was born.

Do you recall a specific moment or piece of work that made you decide to pursue this path?

My first market day as an illustrator was a turning point. It was incredibly exciting. I realised something profound: when you create something you're passionate about and that makes you happy, people connect with it. Seeing people engage with my illustrated dreams, become emotional, and create their own stories based on my work was powerful. They interpreted the illustrations through their own experiences. That connection with people who paused at my stall, sharing what the art meant to them, solidified my desire to dedicate myself to this. My happiness was clearly resonating with others.

What inspires your creations?

My inspiration has evolved significantly over time, but I always stick to one principle: I only create what I enjoy. Currently, I draw heavily from my daily life, my experiences, and cultures I admire, like those of Asia and the Canary Islands. When I travel, I observe intently and immerse myself in my surroundings. In high school, a philosophy teacher I remember fondly, Sarichi, taught us the difference between a tourist and a traveller. A tourist merely visits, while a traveller gets lost in the streets, the culture, and the people.

I strive to be a traveller wherever I am, even at home.

My Canarian-themed art stems from this approach – a desire to share the stories of our people, tales we might overlook but which form a rich and unique culture.

What does Japanese culture mean to you?

That's a great question. While my initial fascination began with manga as a child, I've always been captivated by Asian culture as a whole: its food, art, literature, music, and philosophy of life.

I studied Japanese for two years, hoping to live there during university, but I ended up staying in Madrid to focus on my design studies. Despite this, I maintained my connection to Asian culture by studying Korean cuisine and exploring various Japanese disciplines.

I specialised in Japanese bookbinding, sumi-e (traditional Japanese painting), and have worked with techniques like ceramics, Japanese embroidery, and kirie (the art of paper cutting to create designs using positive and negative space).

It's a culture I'm deeply passionate about. One of my dreams is to spend three months travelling through Japan and create an artistic project inspired by that journey.

What can people learn in your workshops?

In my workshops, participants can learn a variety of skills, including bookbinding, embroidery, painting, and other creative arts.

However, my primary goal is for people to connect with their hands and with themselves. Art serves as a form of meditation and a way to be present. I want my students to enjoy the experience and leave with the satisfaction of having created something themselves – a capability we sometimes forget we possess.

Do you work digitally, traditionally, or a mix of both? What materials do you use?

I've been painting for as long as I can remember; my parents always encouraged my creativity. Now, at 32, I've explored numerous traditional techniques like watercolour, pencil, markers, and acrylics. My design education also introduced me to the digital realm.

Currently, I always begin my drawings on paper, but I complete them on my iPad. This allows me to work more conveniently and adapt my illustrations effectively for stationery and prints.

One of the key messages I aim to convey is that both traditional and digital art are equally valid. Both require the artist's hand and eye. Painting isn't defined by the material but by creativity and the ability to develop a personal artistic voice.

What do you consider your most significant project, and which one has excited you the most?

All my projects hold special meaning for me. I only take on work that resonates with me both as an artist and as a person. However, the collaboration with HiperDino stands out as particularly exciting. It allowed me to share my vision with thousands of people across all the islands. I approached this project with great care and respect, aiming to celebrate the people who define the Canary Islands. These are stories we sometimes overlook but which fill us with pride when they are represented.

What kind of feedback have you received following the HiperDino collaboration?

Honestly, just thinking about it makes me emotional. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. People have really connected with the designs, which was my main goal. Many people of all ages have stopped me in the street to offer congratulations. They express pride in having the products in their homes, which is an incredible reward.

With this collection, you aimed to honour "what unites us as Canarians." How would you describe that unifying element?

When illustrating, empathy is crucial for connecting with people. As a Canarian, I focused on the stories of our community. We all have relatives connected to the sea or the land. The Canary Islands have a deep connection to nature.

I believe what unites us is the pride in a culture that transforms the bounty of our islands, and the way our traditions and ways of life are passed down through generations.

How easy or difficult is it to make a living from art in the Canary Islands?

I don't believe it's inherently difficult to make a living from art in the Canary Islands. In reality, success in any profession requires passion and persistence. It's vital to know your goals and find a way to achieve them. Many people ask me how to make a living from art. My consistent answer is: first, define your destination. Pursuing large-scale abstract art is different from portraiture or caricature; each path is unique, but consistency and passion are always key.

There's a Japanese concept I deeply admire: ikigai. It's the fundamental reason for living – a combination of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be compensated for. Discovering my ikigai transformed my life. I discuss how I found it in a talk on my YouTube channel.

You've collaborated with brands like Hyundai. How did you bridge art and the automotive industry, and what message did you aim to convey?

It was a fascinating challenge, as I hadn't worked in that sector before. I enjoy delving into the culture and history behind each project. For the Inster, an urban car that blends tradition and modernity, I chose to depict a modern Seoul illuminated by neon lights, combined with the traditional tiger symbol, representing protection, spiritual strength, and ancestral wisdom. For me, this was the perfect metaphor for that fusion.

You participate in markets and fairs in the Canary Islands. What does direct interaction with the public offer you?

Participating in markets is essential for me. It allows me to share my work and remember why I create art: to connect with people and their stories. It also helps me promote and convey traditions, values, and dreams. I often say that with my illustrations, I aim to awaken the inner child that often gets dormant as we grow up.

Has the appreciation for local art among the Canarian public grown? Have social media played a role?

Absolutely. One of the key lessons I've learned as an illustrator is the importance of connecting with people. Consumers no longer just buy "a pretty picture"; they seek art that resonates with them, pieces that evoke something within. They also connect with the artists; understanding the stories behind each piece is vital. Social media enables us to share these narratives and reach a much wider audience.

Canarians are increasingly recognising the value of supporting local talent. Pride in local artists is growing daily. When you buy local, you help artisans sustain themselves through their passion.

Do you have any new projects you can share?

This Christmas, I'll be focusing on markets. From November 20th, you can find me on the ground floor of the Las Arenas Shopping Centre, and from December 5th, at the Santa Catalina Christmas Market.

Next year is filled with very exciting and significant projects for me. I'm in a very fulfilling creative phase, feeling the urge to explore new techniques and forms of expression. Therefore, one of my goals is to dedicate a period to reconnecting with myself, taking the time to create without pressure, and experimenting again with materials that have always inspired me, such as ceramics and paper.

Additionally, I'm working on what will be one of my most personal projects: my first illustrated album. It's a very special work as it's based on the stories my grandmother used to tell me about her father, who was a sailor. I've always felt a deep connection to those tales.