Power Without Explanation
I am Daniel Espen. I am Italian, from the north of Italy, and I am a pianist, composer, and painter.
When I paint or compose, I always strive to create something powerful—something that speaks for itself and instantly impacts the senses without needing explanation or background context. For me, the death of art is boredom. When I create, whether it’s painting or music, I aim for it to be striking, dynamic, and alive.
Early Artistic Memories
My father was an amateur painter who introduced me to painting and drawing. He influenced the way I first perceived art and shaped my early artistic vision.
On my mother’s side, music was in the family. My aunt, a wonderful pianist, was my first piano teacher, and my uncle was an orchestral conductor. The household was full of musical inspiration.
One of my earliest memories is jumping onto the piano as a child, pressing keys randomly. I don’t remember which ones, but the resonance of the chord left a profound impression on me. It was so dramatic that it occupied my thoughts for days. That moment, I believe, set me on the path to becoming a musician.
Another memory I cherish is from when I was seriously ill as a child. My mom played classical music, and to our amazement, my fever disappeared. I turned to her and said, "Mom, I will become a musician."
International Accolades and Awards
I am proud to have won several international composition competitions. Among them, one of the achievements I'm most proud of is the First Prize at the second edition of the "David Maria Turoldo" in Brescia. This award was sponsored by the Italian president at the time, Giorgio Napolitano.
In 2017, my sketch Dance on the Spring of Life won First Prize in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Arturo Toscanini’s birth. The piece was performed in Modena—a moment of immense honor for me.
In 2020, my composition The Chant of Witches won the International Choral Competition in Japan and was recorded by the Metropolitan Choir of Tokyo under Ko Matsushita.
Another highlight was having my quartet Danza Visionaria named among the top ten quartets by the Seattle Composer Alliance. That marked my debut in the United States.
For my visual art, being selected for the second round of the British Portrait Award competition was thrilling. This is one of the most prestigious art competitions in the world. It was my painting Spirit and Matter—Portrait of Luca Tessadrelli that earned this recognition.
Recently, my painting Selfie Medusa was selected for the Almenara Art Prize in Spain.
Passing on Knowledge to a New Generation
I consider myself a full-time painter and composer. I do my own work, commissioned pieces, and I also teach. I feel it’s my responsibility to share the knowledge I was fortunate to gain in Italy. I had the privilege to study with incredible artists, like Riccardo Bettini, Luca Tessadrelli, Giancarlo Facchinetti, and Elena Allegretti Camerini.
I’ve collected a wealth of knowledge over the years, and the idea of taking it with me without passing it on feels wrong. Art must be transmitted. The tools of art must be shared so the next generation can develop their own voices and styles. I hope my students can create something unique, building on the foundation I provide.
Today, I have several piano students, composition students, and art students.
Taking Chinese Inspiration
China has deeply influenced my painting style. Since moving here, I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my work in exhibitions across the country, including Shanghai and Guangdong Province. It’s here that I developed a new approach to art.
Ancient Chinese artists often leave parts of the surface—whether paper or silk—bare, focusing on the subject itself. This contrasts sharply with Western art, where every inch of the canvas is typically covered. In the West, we seem to fear empty spaces. Inspired by Chinese art, I began focusing on the subject, surrounding it with flourishing, flat colors that enhance the central theme’s impact.
This approach creates a more powerful, almost dramatic perception of the subject.
Focused on Creation
These days, I mostly perform my own compositions. I feel more fulfilled focusing on creation. In Shanghai, I’ve performed at several venues, including the Oriental Arts Center. I also collaborate with Parsons Music and other organizations when invited.
Recently, I performed a piece for Jimmy Choo’s nephew, Yew Choo, during an exhibition. Another memorable event was playing for Fazioli Piano during their private concert in Shanghai.
Sacred Performances
My favorite venues are unconventional spaces with atmosphere and visual intrigue. For example, I once held a concert at a medieval castle in Brescia to introduce my CD Archetipi. The combination of the music and the historic surroundings made it one of the most remarkable performances of my career.
I also love performing in ancient churches, particularly small ones. Their sacred atmosphere complements classical music perfectly. Of course, wonderful acoustics are always a priority—I want my musical message to be delivered as clearly as possible.
Commercial Collaborations in Film and Theater
For commercial projects, I’ve composed music for websites, commercials, theater, and film soundtracks. Each project is unique. A client might request an orchestra piece, and I’ll create a list of instruments, draft a timeline, and begin sketching the composition.
One of my favorite collaborations was with Rijeka’s Ivan Zajc Theatre in Croatia, where I composed Eternal Return for a large orchestra. Earlier in my career, I wrote music for plays, including Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.
Open for Commissions
I also accept portrait commissions. My process begins with getting to know the subject—their personality, emotions, and expressions. This helps me avoid clichés and create something unique. Recently, I painted a young English woman whose father flew her to Shanghai as a gift. I spent several days capturing her essence on oil on wood.
I like to meet the subjects in person because you can see how they are. How they are in the light, what expressions they make, and what their personalities are.
The Artist's Gaze
In this portrait, there was this lady that loved to dance. She has a great passion for dance and a great admiration for movement. So she asked me to have a portrait, a double portrait actually, where she wanted to make me paint something about her dancing.
So I wanted to start with this idea of respect that happened among the couple that are dancing. This huge respect between the dancers in their embrace. So I focus the attention on the view between them and the arms that are embracing each other.
Contact Information
Ready to unleash your creativity? Book a class with world-class artist Daniel Espen today! Whether it’s mastering music or exploring your artistic side through painting, Daniel’s expertise and passion will inspire you every step of the way.
For more details or to get in touch, visit his SmartShanghai listing . Don’t miss the chance to create something extraordinary!
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